IALLT Interview Project Episode 8: Interview about Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) with Regina Kaplan-Rakowski, Randall Sadler, and Tricia Thrasher

IALLT Interview Project Episode 8: Interview about Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) with Regina Kaplan-Rakowski, Randall Sadler, and Tricia Thrasher

In this interview, Jeff Samuels discusses AR and VR for language learning with Regina Kaplan-Rakowski of the University of North Texas, Randall Sadler of the University of Illinois, and Tricia Thrasher of Immerse. The roundtable participants define AR and VR, then address solutions currently available from an entry level perspective. Orienting to the technology and hardware itself as well as the salient features lead into a discussion of solutions for specific languages and general affordances even from applications that are predominantly in English—many have variable language settings, for example. Getting started from an instructor or instructional technologist perspective and the opportunities to acquire off the shelf solutions or to collaborate with IT and gaming programs are highlighted. Other topics include assessment and evaluation of learner success using AR and VR, the nature of studies extant and potentially, and the specific skills and cultural context outcomes tied to L2 pedagogy. The roundtable discusses the nature of the field and the resources and publications available, as well as a Special Interest Group (SIG) that is open to all (CALICO or EUROCALL membership optional). Some of the resources highlighted in the interview can be found in this document as well as on this document.  To join the SIG, please visit the SIG page or contact Tricia Thrasher, current chair, whose information is on the site.