Virtual Reality: The Future of Learning?
#virtualreality
#languagelearning
#MetaQuest
TL;DR:
Product: Meta Quest - Virtual reality Headset
Pros: Immersive and interactive experience; great potential for language learning and real-world communication; provides authentic speaking opportunities for EFL learners; fun and engaging way to connect with people worldwide
Cons: Steep learning curve for first-time users; expensive, making it less accessible for students and teachers in Vietnam; can cause eye strain and dizziness with prolonged use; safety concerns—children can interact with strangers in virtual spaces without supervision
Price: around 495,00 £ - roughly 15 million VND for one set
Why should we bother talking about Virtual Reality?
Whenever I hear about Virtual Reality (VR), I immediately think of its applications in technology and entertainment. It has always seemed like something far removed from education, especially in Vietnam, where the cost of a VR headset is too high for most teachers and students. Therefore, when I was offered the chance to try a Meta Quest VR set, I was sceptical of whether I could benefit anything from the experience.
However, VR creates an alternative reality where distance is no longer a barrier—people from around the world can connect, communicate, and explore together. This could help solve a major challenge for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners: the lack of real-world speaking opportunities. Imagine a child coming home after an English lesson, but having no one to practice with. Now with VR, they can interact with a virtual buddy and engage in meaningful conversations. More exposure means more opportunities to practice and improve language skills.
I had a surprisingly positive first experience with VR, though it wasn’t without its challenges!
Getting Used to the VR Handle
At first, using the VR controllers felt awkward. I kept fumbling with the buttons—jumping instead of turning around, turning left instead of right. But after a few minutes of trial and error, I started to get the hang of it (sort of). Moving around felt natural, and the sense of presence was incredible.
That said, I was far from mastering it in just ten minutes. While exploring a virtual island with my German partner, I struggled to pull out a fishing rod from the menu and managed to accidentally drown myself at least ten times because I couldn’t coordinate my hands to press the right button!
Another thing worth considering is the physical strain. Wearing the VR headset for long periods can cause eye fatigue or dizziness, so regular breaks are essential.
When it comes to using VR in education, proper training is necessary. For students—especially those in Vietnam—VR is still a completely new concept. Before putting on the headset, students should be introduced to basic controls using an illustration or diagram. From my own experience, I spent most of the time randomly pressing buttons and hoping something would work, which was a bit time-consuming.
Meeting Someone from Germany
One of the highlights of my experience was talking to a lovely lady from Germany on Meta Horizon Worlds. I had never imagined that I’d be standing in a virtual plaza or on an island, chatting with someone thousands of kilometres away as if we were in the same room.
The conversation flowed naturally—we shared our first-time VR experiences and even laughed about how awkward beginners look in the Metaverse.
This experience showed me how VR provides an authentic context for communication. I can easily see students—even those with lower proficiency—being able to interact and practice English online. For example, on the virtual island, I found myself using very simple vocabulary like crab, book, tree, and water to communicate with my partner. This suggests that students of different language levels could benefit from VR-based language practice.
While waiting in the virtual square for my partner, I noticed something that made me uneasy—there were both adults and children in the same space, talking freely.
This raised a big concern: if children use VR platforms like Meta Quest unsupervised, they could interact with anyone, including adults. The potential risks of inappropriate interactions, cyberbullying, or exposure to harmful content cannot be ignored. However, these are just my initial assumptions, as my experience of VR is still VERY limited.
Interestingly, even some adults are worried about the presence of young children in these spaces:
Final Thoughts
Overall, my first VR experience was exciting and eye-opening. The immersive environment, the chance to interact with people from different countries, and the sheer fun of exploring a digital world made it unforgettable.
I know I’ve only scratched the surface of what the Metaverse has to offer, but at least now I can say that I would add a VR set to my purchase bucket list.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. However, as I mentioned earlier, it’s important to consider factors like accessibility, proper training, and online safety before introducing it into the classroom.
Let me know what you think about using VR in language teaching!
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