A study on effectiveness of ESP training in VR environment

Abstract

The virtual reality technology is widely used in a lot of areas, while its application in ESP (English for Specific Purpose) training is yet a new attempt. This study is an experiment of testing the potential of the virtual environment for use in the ESP classroom as a tool for facilitating integrated English education in university and to assess the effectiveness of the virtual environment used as a tool in the classroom. In particular, this study focuses on the learners' impression and experience of learning language in the VR environment, comparing to the traditional way of learning which is carried out with the guide of teacher. The study is a new try of application of VR technology in International Tour Guide English course. According to the data collected and analysis of the experiment, it shows that both students and teachers have a positive impression of VR application in the course, and the learning process is obviously more effective and efficient in promoting students' interest and learning efficiency. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media.