Virtual Reality (VR) 🥽🚀 + ImmerseMe

Hi everyone! 

The topic that I want to talk about today is very exciting because it will be about Virtual Reality (VR)!

First, let's try to get some idea about VR, and then I will try to introduce a VR app that can be used in education as a helpful tool.

So basically, Virtual reality is a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world. Virtual Reality (VR) uses computer-based technology to create a simulated environment. Instead of viewing a screen in front of them, users are immersed and able to interact with 3D worlds. VR uses a headset with a built-in screen that displays a virtual environment for you to explore. These headsets use a technology called head tracking which allows you to look around the environment by simply moving your head. Virtual Reality widely used in video games, engineering, entertainment, education, design, films, media, medicine, and more.

Now I want to talk about some apps! So,  there are different language learning apps for virtual reality, and some of the most popular ones out there are House of Languages that allows you to practice vocabulary with cute little animals, and there is Mondly VR where you can practice conversation skills with 3D avatars. However, the one I'm going to talk about now is "ImmerseMe".

ImmerseMe is a language learning platform that allows you to travel to one of the nine countries to practice a foreign or second language while communicating with native speakers on various topics. You will be placed in different scenarios that were created using 360 degrees cameras in real places in those countries like restaurants, coffee shops, banks, hotels, and many others. I think this app is really cool because you can virtually talk to real people whose responses were pre-recorded according to different courses that your conversation with them can go. It can be played from a browser so it's supported by any VR set. However, if you don't own a VR headset it is also possible to play on a desktop computer!

When the language is selected, a series of language scenarios would come up on the screen. Each scenario seems like the transfer of a 360-degree scene to the learner's screen. Those scenes are numerous. For example, the learner may decide to buy a loaf of bread at the local bakery, order a beer at a bar, book a hotel room, buy a t-shirt or give advice to a friend who wants to buy a new cell phone.

Also, there are four types of practices that you can choose from, those include Pronunciation, Writing, Translation, and finally Immersion.

I tried the demo version of ImmerseMe on my computer and practiced my speaking in Virtual Reality by ordering a coffee in a shop and planing a birthday party with a friend. I can say that it was a lot of fun! I've never experienced anything like that. I also recorded my practice session and posted it on my YouTube channel, don't forget to check out!