Abstract
Using the framework of Allport’s contact hypothesis (1946) and Deardorff’s pyramid for Intercultural competence (2006), this study examines the findings of using virtual reality (VR) in university communication classes to increase intercultural competence and motivation to learn about foreign countries and cultures. Twelve students spent fifteen to twenty minutes traveling the world using Wander software on an Oculus Quest VR headset. The students then completed a survey describing the experience. Every participant reported a positive experience and said they were now more likely to travel to the locations they visited and would recommend the VR travel experience to others. We posit other possible uses of VR in communication classes, including interpersonal communication and reducing public speaking anxiety. The researchers believe the applications for existing technology and new technology in classrooms are endless.
Author Information
Kristen Karnes Hester, Sam Houston State University, United States
Anya Hommadova Lu, Sam Houston State University, United States
Paper Information
Conference: ACSS2023
Stream: Technology and Applied Sciences
This paper is part of the ACSS2023 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Hester K., & Lu A. (2023) Virtual Reality to Increase Intercultural Competence and Openness ISSN: 2186-2303 – The Asian Conference on the Social Sciences 2023: Official Conference Proceedings https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2186-2303.2023.32
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2186-2303.2023.32
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