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 the 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 the original VR4LL outputs. They are designed as scenarios that learners must complete through problem-solving while using a foreign language as their primary communication method. VLEs are environments designed for teaching/learning specific languages not commonly used in language learning classrooms. As a part of project preparation, partners proposed the following VLEs: a scientific laboratory, a kitchen bar and a survival island.
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.
VR4LL 2.0 Intellectual Outputs
1. Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs)
Scientific Laboratory
The laboratory environment immerses learners in a professional science setting where they can perform simple biology, chemistry, and physics experiments. Activities such as growing bacteria, conducting flame tests, or building molecules provide hands-on practice with technical vocabulary and collaboration skills. The lab fosters problem-solving and teamwork.
Restaurant
The restaurant environment simulates a busy kitchen and bar with stations for eggs, salads, and burgers. Learners follow and give instructions while preparing dishes, combining food vocabulary with functional English for teamwork and service. This VLE emphasizes communication and sequencing language.
Desert Island
The desert island scenario places learners in a survival context where they must gather supplies, build a fire, catch fish, and signal for rescue. Each task requires cooperation, resource management, and the use of survival vocabulary and functional English. It develops critical thinking, collaboration, and the ability to adapt language to problem-solving situations.
2. Virtual Escape Rooms (VERs)
A Game of Phones
This virtual escape room is inspired by task-based learning principles and designed to strengthen language skills through immersive gameplay. Learners take on the role of an explorer navigating through atmospheric scenarios where they must solve puzzles, interact with NPCs, and collaborate with supporters who guide them from outside the virtual world. Activities such as word games, riddles, and physical interactions foster problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. This VER combines entertainment with pedagogy, helping learners practice discrete language items, develop transversal skills, and improve motivation through challenge-based tasks.
Murder Mystery
In this escape room, learners step into the role of a detective investigating a burglary in a grand mansion. By decoding messages, unlocking safes, and piecing together blueprints, players progress through a suspenseful storyline that culminates in identifying the burglar’s accomplices and unmasking the mastermind. The design blends language learning with critical thinking and digital literacy, requiring players to read texts, interpret clues, and collaborate with NPCs. VER2 offers learners the chance to strengthen communication skills while applying logic and teamwork in a realistic investigative context.
3. Teacher training course
An online, self-paced training course for teachers to support the integration of VR environments and escape rooms into language learning. The course is designed to provide both theoretical and practical guidance, enabling teachers to understand the pedagogical framework behind VR tasks, adapt them to different CEFR levels, and implement them effectively in the classroom.
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.
