Avatars play a significant role in Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered education, supported by various human-computer interactions and second language acquisition theories. AI avatars have become increasingly anthropomorphic and realistic with advancements in speech synthesis, speech-driven lip-syncing, and speech-to-facial animation. D-ID Studio…

Virtual Reality (VR) has been utilized in foreign language education for over 50 years, and it has gone through four distinct stages in foreign language education: Two-dimensional (2D) text-based VR, three-dimensional (3D) desktop-based VR, 3D HMD-based VR, and AI-enhanced 3D HMD-based VR. Drawing on relevant studies and examples, this article…

Educational applications of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) for English language learning have become increasingly prevalent in K-12 classroom contexts. These tools have enormous potential to provide unique learning experiences and increase students' engagement; however, the benefits depend on appropriate implementation and use.…

Virtual reality (VR) presents an innovative and powerful approach to foreign language teaching, offering immersive and interactive environments that support vocabulary acquisition in engaging and meaningful ways. This study investigates the potential of VR using the self-developed application GermanVR, specifically designed to enhance vocabulary…

Cultural understanding and awareness are crucial for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners, yet effective learning of the target culture often remains a challenge in traditional classrooms. Immersive virtual reality (iVR) introduces an innovative avenue for cultural learning by enabling learners to experience the target cultures in a more…

This paper presents an investigation into the integration of virtual reality (VR) tours in online English lessons tailored for adult learners. The study utilised a design-based research approach to evaluate the effectiveness of VR tours in this context. It specifically examined the responses of adult learners to this instructional strategy by…

Background: AR allows users to experience a digital world that blends seamlessly with the physical world, creating an immersive and interactive experience. This is directly in line with the principles of Situated Learning Theory (SLT) that aim to put students in authentic situations in which they can be actively immersed in real-world activities.…

Integrating improved technologies such as augmented reality (AR) within flipped classes has gained popularity among scholars. This study was carried out to examine the effect of AR-based instruction on English as a foreign language (EFL) learners' speaking skills in online flipped and face-to-face classes. To this end, out of 65 students who had…

Virtual reality (VR) has fundamentally changed how students interact with their subjects and learn because it offers an immersive learning environment. This qualitative study aims at exploring Omani English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers' perceptions of using VR. It employed semi-structured interviews with 20 schoolteachers working in…

Although Global Englishes (GE) research continues to grow in English language teaching (ELT), the role of technology in enhancing GE awareness remains underexplored. Addressing this gap, the study investigates the potential of English as a lingua franca (ELF) interactions with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots in raising GE awareness. Using a…

This paper is part 5 of a series of workshops that examines the properties of some simple models of vocabulary networks. While previous workshops dealt with activating words in the network, this workshop focuses on vocabulary loss. We will simulate two possible ways of modelling attrition: (a) explicitly turning active words OFF, and (b) raising…

The integration of design thinking with extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence (AI) offers transformative potential for second language (L2) learning by providing immersive, interactive, and personalized experiences. Despite significant advancements in XR and AI technologies, their practical integration within formal language education…

We investigated the extent to which English learners developed knowledge of pragmatically-appropriate request-making forms through task-based gameplay involving virtual dialogues with fictional professors, employers, and friends on a virtual US campus. The digital game presents players with several scenarios, asking them to select the most…

In order for educators to be highly effective, they must be aware of how technology can enhance the teaching and learning process. Recently, augmented reality (AR) technology has gained significant attention and been widely adopted across disciplines. The aim of this study was to explore junior high school English teachers' perspectives and…

The present investigation aimed to assess the use of scaffolding strategies by young English as a second language learners who carried out communicative tasks in the context of high-immersive virtual reality (HVR) (Kaplan-Rakowski & Gruber, 2019). More specifically, 24 students enrolled in an intensive program in the province of Quebec,…