Immersive Technology in World Languages
ALTEC is exploring immersive technology in language learning. Immersive technology is a type of technology that uses a digital landscape which allows users to interact and feel a sense of immersion within an artificial environment.
Extended reality (XR) is an umbrella term encompassing virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). XR technology can connect students to language and culture by immersing them in virtual worlds. Through these experiences, students are able to visit highly realistic museums, cities, and even travel back in time, all without leaving the classroom.
Equipment
XR technology can be accessed with any mobile device, tablet or desktop computer. The basic need is a device with an XR app or software installed. An intermediate setup is using a cell phone with a cardboard headset, and an advanced setup is a VR headset. Popular brands of VR headsets include , , , , and .
ALTEC has created VR Google Certified Cardboard Viewers that work with most mobile devices.
What is the difference between 360潞 videos and VR?
The main difference between 360掳 videos and VR is that videos control your story and VR lets you control the story. When watching a 360掳 video, whether you are watching from a 2D desktop or a head-mounted display, you can look all around you in an enclosed spherical space, however, you cannot interact with anything you see or deviate from the recorded story. VR mode, on the other hand, goes beyond direction and allows you to have control over the virtual environment and interact with the recorded story.
Resource Guides
Get Immersed
ALTEC is here to help! If you are not familiar with VR and not technically inclined, fear not! ALTEC is here for you and your students. ALTEC provides everything from instructor support and consultations to hosting webinars and workshops. Feel free to email us if you have questions, or would like to collaborate on a project or an idea with immersive technology for world languages.