Scenario-based Virtual Language Lab
Overview
In this VR experience, Spanish learners get to practice food and restaurant vocabulary through a scenario-based activity. Learners play the role of a waiter who hands ingredients to the chef, sets the table, and serves the correct menu according to the patron’s meal selection.
Tools used
Tilt Brush
Gravity Sketch
Poly
Problem and Solution
The SME, a Spanish language instructor at Occidental College, reached out to me looking for ways in which their beginner classes could practice language outside of the class, much like they would do if there was a language lab on campus. My solution was to reimagine the role and capabilities of the traditional language lab to allow for immersive, real-life scenarios using VR.
Process
The SME and I met to set the goals for the activity. I chose to use the unit on kitchen and food because items that can be picked up and manipulated in an immersive environment have been shown to have a high learning rate thanks to the motor mental representation of the actions done with such items.
Development
I created a storyboard to help the SME visualize the activity. I designed and created the environment using Tilt Brush. I created some assets using Blocks by Google and Gravity Sketch, and imported others from Poly Google. With iterative input from the SME, I created 3 scenes in total.
Testing and Production
Language tutors tested the experience and provided feedback. The project was deployed in two elementary Spanish courses. Learners reported having a positive experience and high motivation levels to keep studying the language.