Are you tired of classroom language learning? Do you want to engage with real-world cultural and linguistic knowledge in a fun and interactive way? DLS VR is your solution!
Diplomatic Language Services Virtual Reality (DLS VR) augments classroom language learning by offering immersive virtual environments on headsets or computers. Students practice language skills during virtual field trips to their target region. Imagine strolling through a historic temple in Thailand, exploring the streets of Italy, or touring a war memorial in Russia. Background audio like crowd noise or birds chirping establishes a sense of “being there.” Instructors and students converse throughout the virtual environment, completing level-appropriate tasks along the way, and interacting with embedded pedagogical content like audios, videos, text labels, and signs. The DLS VR experience allows students to practice their language skills and make cultural observations in a realistic setting, building confidence, motivation, and fluency in the process.
One of the key elements of DLS VR is customization. Instructors adapt to students’ language needs and interests throughout the lesson, ensuring that the content is engaging and relevant. Pre-work assignments in the learning management system prepare students for the vocabulary and culture they will encounter in VR, with immediate application in the VR environment, followed by an extension activity to close out the session. Language and culture objectives ground the lesson with measurable benchmarks for learning. This scaffolded approach encourages reflection and solidifies understanding, making it easier to retain information and apply it in real-world situations.
And if you worry about the technical side of things, don’t be! DLS’s friendly team walks instructors and students through any necessary training before VR classes. Connecting with each other through a meeting ID on https://vr.dlsdc.com/ is straightforward. DLS VR classes happen online, in person, or in a hybrid format.
On the development end, DLS VR’s back-end editor allows curriculum developers to capture images, string them together, and embed instructional material overtop. Background audio, signs, videos, and audio for listening comprehension are uniquely incorporated into our modules and can be tailored to the specific needs or levels of the learners. VR modules are currently available in Arabic, Chinese, Italian, Russian, Spanish, and Thai, with more languages easily able to be developed. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, there is something for everyone with DLS VR.
In conclusion, DLS VR is a game-changer in the world of language learning. With its immersive virtual environments, engaging tasks, and customized approach, it offers an effective way to enhance your language and culture learning. So why not give it a try? Your next virtual adventure awaits!
Contact Lia at vr@dlsdc.com to request a VR module or find out more information!
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what some of our users have had to say about DLS VR!
“Love this form of instruction! It allows you to practice and actually interact with your target language realistically!” – DLS Student
“I thought it was super cool! It really felt like I was immersed there, with the background noise and ability to see all around, read the menu, enter the hotel room, etc.” – Meghan, Chinese student
“[The VR class] prepared me…for a more nuanced appreciation of Italian culture.” – Sean, Italian student
“It was an amazing experience to lead the students studying through the VR environment. The students have a higher participation than [when] using other studying methods.” – Yucan Gao, Chinese instructor
“This is the best closest thing to being in a country of a language you are learning.” – Sung, Thai student
