VRcabulary: A VR Environment for Reinforced Language Learning via Multi-Modular Design

We demonstrate VRcabulary, a hierarchical modular virtual reality (VR) environment for language learning (LL). Current VR LL apps lack the benefit of reinforcement presented in typical classroom environments. Apps either introduce content in the second language and lack retention testing, or provide gamification without an in-environment instructional component. To acquire reinforcement of knowledge, the learner needs to visit the app multiple times, increasing the potential for monotony. In VRcabulary, we introduce a multi-modular hierarchical design with 3 modules—an instructional module providing AI-generated audio playbacks of object names, a practice module enabling interaction based reinforcement of object names in response to audio playback, and an exam module enabling retention testing through interaction. To incentivize engagement by reducing monotony, we keep the designs of each modules distinct. We provide sequential object presentations in the instructional module and multiple object assortments in the practice and exam modules. We provide feedback and multiple trials in the practice module, but eliminate them from the exam module. We expect cross-module diversity of interaction in VRcabulary to enhance engagement in VR LL.