Virtual reality (VR) technology is growing in popularity, but little is known about the potential use of VR tools in the teaching of Maltese. The current study investigated this topic using a mixed research style. The qualitative approach and a focus group technique were used to collect information about the use of VR in language learning settings from 25 teachers. The quantitative part of the study involves conducting an online survey among the same participants to collect information on the potential effectiveness of VR technology in the Maltese environment. The study's conclusions offer insight on how well virtual reality may be used to teach and learn Maltese as a second language. Based on the findings of the NVivo thematic analysis and the quantitative information collected by employing the survey approach, the study provides a thorough assessment of the benefits and drawbacks of VR for international students learning Maltese. Teachers applaud VR for immersing students in a rich learning environment and enhancing it with essential entertainment aspects. This study shows that VR technologies are not currently being used to assist learners in learning Maltese, and there is still a lot of confusion over the norms that should guide their use in ML2 environments. The most significant components of this ambiguity will be critically discussed in this presentation, along with a variety of VR-related difficulties such as high costs, bulky headsets, and technological difficulties.

Authors:
Jacqueline Zammit, University of Malta, Malta

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Jacqueline Żammit is a lecturer and researcher in Maltese pedagogy, with a specialization in the teaching of Maltese as a foreign language. She publishes journals and presents at conferences about the pedagogy of Maltese as a foreign language.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-%C5%BCammit-a93b5b136/

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jacqueline-Zammit

Additional website of interest
https://www.um.edu.mt/profile/jacquelinezammit

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

Bookmark