The Impact of Virtual Reality on ESL

Virtual reality (VR) is a type of technology that uses headsets, apps, or computer programs to place students inside a digital world. Instead of just looking at a screen, learners feel as if they are “inside” the lesson. They can move around, interact with objects, and take part in activities that look and feel real.

The impacts of virtual reality on learning can include:

Immersive experiences: Students can step into places they would not normally reach, like a museum, a busy city street, or even another country.

Active participation: Instead of only listening or reading, students get to act, respond, and explore, which helps them remember what they learn.

Motivation: VR makes lessons fun and different, which keeps students more interested and engaged.

For ESL learners, this is super useful. VR can create “real-world” environments for language practice, such as ordering food in a café, checking into an airport, or talking in a virtual classroom. These realistic settings give students the chance to practice English in situations they might face in everyday life.

How Does Virtual Reality Affect Educational Learning?

Now that we know what virtual reality is, let’s look at how it actually changes the way students learn. VR brings both exciting benefits and some challenges to education.

Benefits of VR in Learning

• Immersion in natural conversation: VR places students in situations where they can hear and respond to English naturally. For example, they might practice ordering in a café or asking for directions in a virtual city. 
• Confidence-building without fear of judgment: Many students feel shy or nervous about speaking a new language. In VR, they can practice safely, without worrying about being judged. This freedom helps them gain confidence before trying in real life.
• Better memory retention: Research shows students remember more when they are actively involved. By interacting with a lesson rather than only reading, students are more likely to recall new words later.

Challenges of VR in Learning

• Accessibility: Not all families or schools have access to VR tools or reliable internet, which can limit opportunities.
• Cost: VR headsets and programs can be expensive, making it harder for every student to benefit.
• Teacher training: Teachers need time and support to learn how to use VR tools effectively. Without proper training, VR may not reach its full potential in the classroom.

VR Language Learning: Why It Works

The world is changing, and it’s no surprise that with the advancements we have today, this learning style really works! VR learning works because it’s nearly real. 

Think about practicing travel English. On paper, a student might read: “Excuse me, where is my boarding gate?” In VR, they’re standing inside a busy airport, walking up to a virtual staff member, and asking the question aloud. The difference is powerful: instead of memorizing, they are living the conversation.

Another example is ordering food at a restaurant, as this is likely to be something everyone around the world will do at some point each week. Instead of simply practicing phrases like “I would like a sandwich,” in VR, the student is seated at a table, reading a menu, and speaking directly to a virtual waiter. This natural interaction helps them gain confidence in situations they will likely face in real life.

Gamification in Virtual Reality and ESL

One of the most exciting parts of VR in education is gamification, or, in other words, turning lessons into fun challenges. Many educators ask, Does gamification in virtual reality improve second language learning? The answer is yes. When learners earn points, unlock levels, or receive rewards, they feel motivated to keep practicing.

For example, in some VR games, students must complete English-speaking tasks to move forward (like asking directions, ordering food, or answering questions from a virtual character). Because the learning feels like play, students WANT to stay engaged longer and practice more often. This playful approach helps reduce stress, encourages repetition, and makes learning enjoyable instead of a chore.

Educational VR Apps for ESL

Lucky for you, there are already many apps designed to help students start learning languages in VR:

• Mondly VR: lets learners practice conversations with avatars in everyday settings.
• ImmerseMe: puts students in real-life situations like restaurants, hotels, or airports where they must use English naturally.
• ENGAGE or AltspaceVR: create virtual classrooms where teachers and students can interact in group lessons.

Some platforms are even moving toward AI-powered VR education, which can adapt lessons to each student’s level, learning pace, and progress. Novakid has even recently introduced AI in the classroom and is happy to report great results so far! 

The Future of VR in ESL

As VR technology keeps improving, its role in language learning is expected to grow even bigger! More AI-powered VR education platforms will likely appear, giving students lessons that are fully personalized to their needs. Schools may also begin blending VR into their traditional classrooms, letting students step into virtual environments alongside their normal studies.

Another important change is accessibility. As the cost of VR headsets and apps continues to drop, more families and schools around the world will be able to use this tool. That means learning English in VR could become an everyday option, not just something extra.

This raises an exciting question for both parents and teachers: Will VR become the new normal for ESL learning?

In sum, Virtual reality makes ESL learning fun, immersive, and memorable! Students can practice English in real-life scenarios without leaving home. But, we must not forget,  nothing compares to speaking with an experienced teacher! A teacher can give feedback, guide lessons, and adapt to each student’s needs in a way VR cannot.

With Novakid, children get the best of both worlds. Book a trial class today and let your child experience learning English with a skilled teacher.