Speaker
Description
It is believed that integrating Virtual Reality technology in Vocational Education and Training (VET) classes will increase learners' motivation by being exposed to real-life situations. Smart et al. (2007) define virtual reality as a system that aims to bring simulated real-life experiences by providing topography, motion and physics that give the user the illusion of being in another environment. Similarly, Kim (2005) explains that it consists in reproducing a synthetic experience that represents a virtual or illusory simulation context for the user. In other words, it is an immersive technology capable, not only of imitating real life but also of transporting users to another world where they can negotiate authentic interactions. The aim is to enrich and redefine learning experiences. Studies, ensure that the benefits, face to traditional learning methods, are many. According to Braga (2001), the immersion, interaction and involvement that characterize Virtual Reality, well-conducted in education, brings, among other benefits, "greater motivation of students, allows the learner to develop work at his own pace and stimulates the active participation of the student". In this sense, not only the research of Johnsen at. al. (2007) concluded that the use of VR-based environments facilitates learning, as well as Hassan (2003), explored the use of Virtual Reality in education as an additional tool in the process of cognitive development.
The project VR-VOLL (Virtual Reality for Vocationally Oriented Language Learning) applies an action-research approach to identify where and how VR is likely to add value to vocationally oriented language learning. The benefits to learners must be evaluated, as well as the practical implications for learning providers.
It is the aim of this presentation to disseminate the aims of this project, its results and its activities, such as to identify key language competencies for target vocational areas through a needs and situation analysis.
After presenting the Project we will be specifically looking at the target language competencies that healthcare students at the University of Évora feel the need to have when entering the labour world.
Keywords – Virtual Reality; Vocationally Oriented Language Learning; English for nurses.
