Unlocking Language Learning: Challenges and Opportunities in AR/VR by XR Development Lab

           Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) are currently being developed a lot. Of course, AR and VR challenges and opportunities also accompany ongoing developments. So, in what ways are VR and AR changing the language education landscape today? Common challenges with VR and AR are accessibility or affordability, usability, and technical problems. Accessibility or affordability includes high costs (which are relatively expensive to manufacture), low resources (not many supporting resources), and training. Usability includes required skills or assets (skills and knowledge are essential in VR or AR), safety (safety in various aspects), and health concerns (concern for health is also an important point). Technical problems include compatibility (compatibility with the material, purpose, and application process that must be carried out), application interface, and application development (application development is a challenge that must be solved in AR or VR). Various kinds of VR and AR problems in language learning are lack of English learning specific contents, difficulty integrating learning and evaluation, constraints in supporting multiple learning approaches, uncertainty over learning outcomes, cost and development difficulty, health issues, space, and setup. Overcoming the challenges of VR and AR is by participating in training, creating adequate resources, technical support, co-writing content, collaborating with various disciplines, and finally doing a checklist.

          Opportunities in AR and VR for language education are firstly contextual learning, which means the material, process, and learning outcomes will be more contextual. The second is culture immersion or a technique that is usually used in learning two languages or bilingualism. Third is interactive learning where the learning process will be more interesting and not boring. Fourth is the collaborative learning environment, which means the environment will better support the learning process. Lastly is accessibility, where the use of VR and AR in language learning will give us easy access during the learning process.

          The benefits we gain from using AR and VR in language learning include increased engagement, increased retention, personalized learning experiences, safe learning environments, and improved listening and speaking skills. Practical applications in language classes such as cultural exploration "field trips" that exist in VR or AR, real-world connections that are the same as the world in technology, virtual role-playing (not played by humans in real life, but by substitute characters in AR or VR), additional translations, more diverse language games and challenges, and long-distance language exchange. The use of VR and AR in language learning will discuss future directions and emerging trends, the first of which is technological progress. Technological advances will be an important factor in determining the direction and goals of VR and AR, especially in language learning. The second is integrating with Artificial Intelligence or AI in its application and development. Finally, a global collaboration project that will connect not only one country, but from various countries who can share their tips, knowledge, and experience in using VR and AR in the process language learning.