Foreign Language Tandem Learning in Social VR

Abstract

Hololingo! is a social virtual reality app for real-time immersive distance learning of German as a Foreign Language (GFL). The acquisition of discoursive oral language skills for applied authentic contexts is challenging for group-based classroom settings and is often outsourced to autonomous analogue tandem learning. We operationalise a Digital Game-Based Language Learning (DGBLL) approach for distance learning, which relieves tandems from overstraining autonomy and self-guidance. Hololingo! supports tandems in their learning activities by providing entertaining communicative, collaborative, and didactically designed team tasks. These are embedded in a narrative adventure, target linguistic phenomena, and support the holistic acquisition of oral discourse competencies and fluency. The combination of the tandem principle, immersive Social VR gamification, barrier-free access to a global pool of expert/native speakers, and a curricular connection through task selection facilitates language learning and provides transcultural contacts. App development follows a Design-Based-Research cycle of conception, implementation, and evaluation. The results of a qualitative discourse analysis of the learning interaction are discussed with regard to tandem role behaviour, the relation between task design and communication as well as affective and creative behaviour.

Theories, Principles, and Game Elements that Support Digital Game-Based Language Learning (DGBLL): A Systematic Review

“…Social Virtual Reality (SVR) SVR addresses issues by allowing locationindependent, time-flexible language learning and easy access to a global user pool. In the case of Hololingo!, it offers collaborative tandem tasks for Digital Game-Based Language Learning (DGBLL) within an immersive SVR adventure, facilitating communicative and collaborative practice in a 3D environment (Ahlers et al, 2022).…”

“…Additionally, to provide a holistic understanding of language change and development, Scholz (2017) clarified CAS through its incorporation of the cognitive and social aspects of language. Lastly, Ahlers et al (2022) described how SVR enables flexible language learning by incorporating collaborative tandem tasks for DGBLL within an immersive SVR adventure and enhancing communicative practice in a 3D environment.…”

Development of Social Virtual Reality (SVR) as Collaborative Learning Media to Support Merdeka Belajar

“…Ahlers and Bumann et al develop Hololingo! [19] An SVR tandem app for real-time immersive distance learning of German as a Foreign Language (GFL). The app includes several scenes specifically designed for language teaching, such as the introduction scene and scenes with game elements like word puzzles and a maze with quizzes or clues for language training.…”