Exploring the potential of a 360° video application for foreign language learning

Abstract

In recent years, 360° videos combined with virtual reality (VR) techniques have been used to recreate highly interactive and immersive environments, allowing its users to directly experience and interact with its content and environment. Unlike traditional video recordings, which usually provide a very restrictive perspective of an object, person or environment, 360° videos provide users with full spherical views. In this paper, the authors share their recent experience with the design and implementation of a 360° video application. The application provides foreign language learners with an immersive learning environment that allows them to interact with the environment and its content, while practicing, at the same time, different language skills. The purpose of the study is to explore the possibilities of 360° video applications and chatbots for creating immersive environments in which language learners can foster their language competencies by means of real world-like situations.