Exploring the Impact of VR Integration on ESL Leaners’ English Verbal Communication Skills: A Case Study in a Malaysian High School

Abstract

Today’s young people spend a lot of time on gaming and mobile devices, which limits their social interactions and ability to communicate well. Integrating Virtual Reality technology in language learning provides a simulated or gaming-like environment for students to practice their communication skills. The main aim of the study is to explore the impact of integrating VR technology into the learning of English verbal communication skills among ESL students. Essentially, this study provides evidence-based insights into the potential of VR technology to improve learners’ essential verbal communication skills. Thus, the aim was addressed through the research question on how the use of the ImmerseMe VR platform impacts the development of ESL learners’ English verbal communication skills, particularly fluency and accuracy while highlighting the evidence of the impact on participants’ communicative competence during speaking assessments. The study focused on 15 Form 6 students from a Chinese Independent High School in Malaysia, exploring their encounters with VR-integrated lessons. This study investigated how the ImmerseMe VR platform affects ESL learners’ English verbal communication skills and evaluates its effectiveness in enhancing language proficiency and communicative competence in ESL classrooms. The data were collected through ImmerseMe auto-generated report and speaking assessment. The quantitative analysis reported significant improvement in learners’ skills following VR intervention, highlighting VR’s potential as a useful tool for language learning. This research shows how VR platforms like ImmerseMe can improve language proficiency and communicative competence among learners while providing valuable insights into innovative teaching methods for ESL classrooms.