Use of Virtual Reality in Non-Native Language Learning and Teaching

New emerging technologies, particularly in this COVID-19 era, have increased in their use more than ever. This concerns also their use in educational settings. At present, virtual reality (VR) has become a powerful and invaluable tool in teaching and learning processes. Although VR is not used in non-native language learning and teaching (NLLT) as much as in natural sciences, the use of VR technologies in NLLT is growing. In fact, language immersion is considered to be the most effective way of learning a foreign language. The purpose of this article is to review and discuss a potential of VR in NLLT. The findings of this review study reveal that VR technologies penetrate NLLT, but their use is still limited due to certain barriers, such as a lack of technical skills among teachers or higher costs. Consequently, research in NLLT is then small-scale. Nevertheless, VR technologies thanks to their immersive and authentic/real-life environment have a lot to offer to a second language learner, e.g. development of learner autonomy, achievement of better learning results, or personalized approach to learning. However, more attention should be paid to the development of collaborative learning. (C) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.