About VR4LL.
Once upon a time, there was a project called VR4LL, which revolutionized immersive educational experiences, and now we proudly present its evolution, VR4LL 2.0.
Our Story
VR4LL
“The best English lesson I’ve ever had” is the sort of user recommendation we’re all looking for. In this case, the statement was made by an adolescent student from Pisa, Italy, who had just spent part of his lesson repairing a communications antenna on a space station in one of our virtual worlds. But he wasn’t working alone. He was guided by his classmates who were providing him with instructions, and who could see exactly what he was seeing, thanks to a simple casting device. The first VR4LL project was approved for funding in 2019. Its goal was to develop Virtual Reality technology for language learning and implement it into corresponding educational programs. Other virtual worlds we have created include a desert island, a city in ancient Rome, and an ice world. Comprehensive teachers’ notes explain how the technology works, and include suggestions on how tasks can be exploited to obtain a range of different language outcomes. The only investment needed is one Oculus headset. The VR materials and teacher’s notes are available free of charge. Results of the first VR4LL project received global recognition, including a nomination for ELTons Awards in the digital innovation category.
VR4LL 2.0
VR4LL 2.0 project results are the next stage in the development of VR technology for language learning, as well as a whole range of other skills and competences. These intellectual outputs are technologically more advanced than their predecessors and introduce learning environments specifically designed to strengthen competences of certain industry professionals. They can be implemented with a whole range of adult learners, both inside the classroom and remotely. Project objectives will be achieved through the development and implementation of specific outputs: Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) and Virtual Escape Rooms (VERs). VERs are upgraded versions of original VR4LL outputs. They are designed as scenarios that learners need to complete through problem-solving while using foreign language as a primary communication method. VLEs are environments designed for teaching/learning specific language not commonly used in language learning classrooms. As a part of project preparation, partners proposed the following VLEs: a scientific laboratory, a command bridge of a ship and a rustic restaurant.
2022 ELTons Innovation Awards
VR4LL was a finalist for the 2022 ELTons awards. Our team was honored and proud to be considered for the ELTons award in the category of Digital Innovation!
Space Station
Virtual World 1 is literally out of this world. It is an International Space Station orbiting the Earth with great views of our beautiful planet and the stars beyond. The Space Station is divided into several different rooms, each accessible through an electronic door. There is also a door to the outside which gives access to a walkway.
Tropical Island
Virtual World 2 was built as a remote, uninhabited tropical island. The idea was to create a visually appealing and colorful world, one that would encourage exploration. As with any real island, it is surrounded by a vast body of water on all sides, featuring clear blue skies, palm trees and mysterious caverns. The original idea for this world was to host tasks that would have the most similarity to escape room activities. Indeed, both tasks created through VR4LL projects were developed in escape room fashion: students must complete a series of steps in a specific order and with specific outcomes in order to escape the island.
Ancient Rome
Virtual World 3 is an adventure into the world of the Ancient Romans. You are immersed in the heart of the Roman Empire with impressive architecture, amphitheater entertainment and political intrigue. The Roman city is divided into several sections including a courtyard, a marketplace, a temple and even a colosseum with underground dungeons.
Ice World
Virtual World 4 was created as a challenge to generate spaces that are more friendly to the environment, understanding that the planet’s resources are running out. The world itself presents a wide variety of pre-task opportunities and discussion topics. As students begin their journey surrounded by trees and snow having to locate the hut using the sun’s positioning different topics could be aimed at. The original idea for this world was to host tasks that would have the most similarity to escape room activities. Indeed, both tasks created through VR4LL projects were developed in escape room fashion: students must complete a series of steps in a specific order and with specific outcomes in order to escape the island.
Meet our international team!
VR4LL was carried out by five partner institutions from Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania and Spain. We have adapted the team for VR4LL 2.0, who share the same passion, to develop even more innovative and technologically advanced solutions, and to bring the most advanced methodology to our students. Our team combines a range of skills to meet our shared goals.
