Learning English with virtual reality

We have collaborated with VictoryVR on a new virtual reality product for Mandarin speakers looking to learn English in a real-world setting. It aims to bring together our established curriculum materials with VictoryVR’s experience of developing virtual learning experiences.

The first applet for release will centre on learning English for travel, taking the user on a virtual journey from China to an English speaking country, where they communicate with a flight crew, a ticketing agent, and even navigate a luggage carousel. It is expected to roll out in the Vive Store by December, with nine more applets planned for next year.

Founded in 2016, VictoryVR develops curriculum supplements for use in virtual reality via a team of experts and accomplished developers. VictoryVR founder Steve Grubbs explains: ‘Traveling to a foreign country for the first time is hard, especially if you don’t know the language. Virtual reality will make the process a little easier by immersing the traveler in the experience before they actually take the trip.’

Joseph Noble, Head of Partnerships and Innovation at OUP, added: ‘Virtual reality presents a new frontier for education and we are delighted that our world-leading pedagogies apply themselves so well to the technology. With our materials, VictoryVR has created an enhanced English-learning experience that places the learner directly in the scenario they are studying. We are excited to explore the potential of this new technology to amplify the learning experience.’