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Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Special Issue on CALL Number 10. July 2024 Pp. 134-159
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Malaysia
INTI International University Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Malaysia
Today’s young people spend a lot of time on gaming and mobile devices, which limits their social interactions and ability to communicate well. Integrating Virtual Reality technology in language learning provides a simulated or gaming-like environment for students to practice their communication skills. The main aim of the study is to explore the impact of integrating VR technology into the learning of English verbal communication skills among ESL students. Essentially, this study provides evidence-based insights into the potential of VR technology to improve learners’ essential verbal communication skills. Thus, the aim was addressed through the research question on how the use of the ImmerseMe VR platform impacts the development of ESL learners’ English verbal communication skills, particularly fluency and accuracy while highlighting the evidence of the impact on participants’ communicative competence during speaking assessments. The study focused on 15 Form 6 students from a Chinese Independent High School in Malaysia, exploring their encounters with VR-integrated lessons. This study investigated how the ImmerseMe VR platform affects ESL learners’ English verbal communication skills and evaluates its effectiveness in enhancing language proficiency and communicative competence in ESL classrooms. The data were collected through ImmerseMe auto-generated report and speaking assessment. The quantitative analysis reported significant improvement in learners’ skills following VR intervention, highlighting VR’s potential as a useful tool for language learning. This research shows how VR platforms like ImmerseMe can improve language proficiency and communicative competence among learners while providing valuable insights into innovative teaching methods for ESL classrooms.
Raman, K., Hashim, H., & Ismail, H .H. (2024). Exploring the Impact of VR Integration on ESL Leaners’ English Verbal Communication Skills: A Case Study in a Malaysian High School. Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Special Issue on CALL (10)134-159.
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Kumutha Raman
Kumutha Raman is a lecturer at the Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, Inti International University, Nilai, Malaysia, and final year of PhD student in National University of Malaysia. Her fields of interest include technology-enhanced language learning, and innovative teaching and learning. She has a language teaching experience of 12 years in a Chinese Independent High School, Seremban, Malaysia. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6630-8883
Dr. Harwati Hashim
Harwati Hashim, PhD., is an associate professor at the Centre for Innovation in Teaching and Learning, Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Her areas of concentration are mobile learning, Mobile-assisted Language Learning (MALL), technology acceptance as well as innovative pedagogy and the use of technology in teaching and learning English as a Second Language (ESL). ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8817-427X
Dr. Hanita Hanim
Hanita Hanim Ismail (Ph.D) is a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Innovation in Teaching and Learning, Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). She studies the theories and practices of English literature and the Teaching of English as a Second Language (TESL). Ismail is interested to understand and explore issues of identity, ranging from religious to gender aspects, particularly those concerning the English and the learning of the language.
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3121-8822