A Review of Virtual Reality Technology in EFL Teaching

Abstract

Introduction of VR technology into EFL teaching can change traditional teaching methods by increasing learners’ interaction, engagement and motivation. However, studies of VR technology in EFL teaching and learning are scarce. This paper offers a review of current studies on VR-based EFL teaching and learning, encompassing 20 studies published between 2020 to 2022. There are three ESL-related findings in this study: (1) VR is beneficial for EFL learners’ listening comprehension, reading comprehension, speaking, pronuntiation, vocabulary acquisition and writing. (2) Integration of VR in an EFL lesson can lower students’ foreign language anxiety in an authentically fully-immersive context and improve students’ interaction; (3)The application of VR can enhance students’ intracultural learning, facilitate learners’ creative self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation. It is hoped that this review can provide insights for teachers, educators, and software develpers to consider the advantages and disadvantages of VR before it is integrated into ESL teaching in EFL classroom.