Integration of Virtual Reality (VR) Technology into Vocabulary Teaching in Primary School English Lessons

Year 2022, Volume: 18 Issue: 2, 85 - 94, 31.12.2022

Emre Uygun Derya Girgin

https://doi.org/10.17244/eku.1175087

Abstract

Language consists of words, so it is important to increase the level of vocabulary in any foreign language learning to a certain extent in order to be able to communicate in that language. As for VR, it is seen that this technology is a new research field in education, the use of which in language teaching is closely related to the principle of proximity to life, one of teaching principles. While learning a foreign language, learners should experience situational learning experiences, recognize real-life contexts, and be able to use the language communicatively in these environments, which is a difficult goal to be attained by 2nd-grade primary school students who have not yet reached full proficiency in their native language but started learning a foreign one. In this direction, this study, a pre-test – post-test research with the control group, examined VR’s effect on vocabulary levels and student engagement. The study was conducted in the English lessons of 2nd-grade students from six of the state primary schools in the central district of Çanakkale, Turkey. The results indicated that instruction with VR did not show any significant difference in vocabulary levels compared to current teaching method but encouraged more student engagement in the classroom. Although more extensive research into the topic is essential, it is hoped that the study will shed light on future research on the use of VR technology, which still has leeway to progress and may form the basis of future education in the coming years.

Keywords

Innovation in language teaching, foreign language learning, teaching English to young learners, virtual reality, vocabulary teaching

Supporting Institution

TÜBİTAK 2209-A Üniversite Öğrencileri Araştırma projeleri Desteği Programı -2209-A University Students Research Projects Support Program

Project Number

1919B012101285

Thanks

This paper was a product of a research project that was funded within the scope of a program, “2209-A University Students Research Projects Support Program” by Scientific and Technological Council of Turkey (TUBITAK). In TUBITAK’s system, the identification number of the project is 1919B012101285.

Sanal Gerçeklik (VR) Teknolojisinin İlkokul İngilizce Derslerinde Kelime Bilgisi Öğretimine Entegrasyonu

Abstract

Dil kelimelerden oluşur ve bu nedenle herhangi bir yabancı dilin öğreniminde o dilde iletişim kurabilmek için kelime dağarcığını belirli bir ölçüde artırmak önemlidir. Sanal gerçekliğe (VR) gelince, bu teknolojinin eğitimde yeni bir araştırma alanı olduğu ve dil öğretiminde kullanımının öğretim ilkelerinden biri olan hayata yakınlık ilkesiyle yakından ilişkili olduğu görülmektedir. Yabancı dil öğrenirken, öğrencilerin durumsal öğrenme deneyimlerini yaşamaları, gerçek yaşam bağlamlarını tanımaları ve dili bu ortamlarda iletişimsel olarak kullanabilmeleri gerekir ki bu, henüz kendi ana dillerinde tam yeterlik sağlayamamış ancak yabancı bir dil öğrenmeye başlamış olan ilkokul 2. sınıf öğrencilerinin ulaşması zor bir hedeftir. Bu doğrultuda, kontrol gruplu bir ön test – son test araştırması olan bu çalışma, sanal gerçekliğin kelime bilgisi seviyelerine ve öğrenci katılımına etkisini incelemiştir. Araştırma Çanakkale ilinin Merkez ilçesinde bulunan 6 devlet ilköğretim okulunun 2. sınıf öğrencilerinin İngilizce derslerinde gerçekleştirilmiştir. Sonuçlar, VR ile öğretimin, geleneksel öğretime kıyasla kelime seviyelerinde önemli bir fark göstermediğini, ancak öğrencilerin derslere katılımını teşvik ettiğini göstermiştir. Konuyla ilgili daha kapsamlı çalışmaların yürütülmesi gerekli olsa da mevcut çalışma, hâlâ gelişmekte olan ve eğitimin temelini oluşturabilme potansiyeli bulunan VR teknolojisinin kullanımı için gelecekteki araştırmalara ışık tutacaktır.

Keywords

Çocuklara İngilizce öğretimi, dil öğretiminde yenilik, kelime bilgisi öğretimi, sanal gerçeklik, yabancı dil öğrenimi

Project Number

1919B012101285

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