Abstract
Willingness to communicate (WTC) has been recognized as a prerequisite for successful foreign or second language learning. Hence, numerous studies have been conducted to improve English as a second language (EFL) learners’ WTC. With the advancement of digital technologies, virtual reality (VR) has gained its growing recognition in technology-enhanced language learning. However, few empirical studies so far have been focused on investigating the impact of VR on EFL learners’ WTC. To fill the gap, this study set out to explore the potential of a self-developed 3D virtual environment for enhancing Chinese EFL learners’ WTC and exploring their perceptions of the VR-assisted English learning approach. Seventy college students from two intact classes were randomly divided into either the experimental group or the comparison group. WTC questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were conducted for both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative results indicated that students in the experimental group were more willing to communicate at the end of the experiment than those in the comparison group. Moreover, thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed that VR players enjoyed interacting with virtual objects and characters, as it helped ease their anxiety and motivate them to communicate in English. In conclusion, this study provided empirical evidence that the use of VR exerts a significant impact on EFL learners’ WTC and the majority of VR players held a positive attitude towards the use of VR for English learning. The pedagogical implications concerning VR-assisted language learning are discussed.
Author Information
Huiqi Fan, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, China
Bowen Jing, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, China
Yanqing Yi, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, China
Lin Luan, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, China
Paper Information
Conference: WorldCALL2023
Stream: Virtual Reality / Virtual Worlds
This paper is part of the WorldCALL2023 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Fan H., Jing B., Yi Y., & Luan L. (2024) Exploring Chinese EFL Learners’ Willingness to Communicate in a Self-Developed 3D Virtual Environment ISSN: 2759-1182 – WorldCALL2023: Conference Proceedings (pp. 167-176) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2759-1182.2023.19
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2759-1182.2023.19
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