A brief primer describing possible benefits and uses of smartphone virtual reality for English Language Teachers and their learners.

1. An EL Teacher’s Guide to
Smartphone VR
Overview
The advent of ​low-cost VR headsets​, such as ​Google
Cardboard​, combined with the high ownership rates of
smartphones among learners now affords language learners
new and exciting means of exploring content as well as learning
and practicing language.
This brief guide aims to familiarise English Language teachers
with the following basic information about Smartphone VR:
possible benefits, possible uses, recommended apps, common
pitfalls, and recommended procedures.
​sndrv/Flickr/CC
Possible Benefits of Smartphone VR in the EL Classroom
➔ Enhanced Learner Motivation
➔ Increased On-task Behavior
➔ Greater Memory Retention
➔ Reduced Learner Anxiety
Possible Uses of Smartphone VR in the EL Classroom
➔ Information Gap Tasks ​ (Link to proof-of-concept lesson)
➔ Discussion Primer / Writing Prompt
➔ Descriptive Language Practice
➔ Presentation / Interview Rehearsal
➔ Visit Study Abroad Locations Prior to Departure
➔ Introduce Content in Content-based Classes
©2016 Chris Hastings Contact: ​chris@nufs.ac.jp​ & ​joshbrunotte@gmail.com

2. An EL Teacher’s Guide to
Smartphone VR
Recommended Free VR Apps For English Language Learners
All links are for iOS - android users please search for the app’s name in the Google Play store
Cardboard
This is Google’s demonstration app that showcases five VR experiences. A good way to for
learners and teachers alike to first experience Smartphone VR.
Street View
By selecting Cardboard mode while using Street View, users can immersively explore world
landmarks, famous cities, natural wonders, and even step inside locations such as museums,
cathedrals, and parks. Great for information gap and descriptive language tasks.
Expeditions
Google Expeditions allows teachers to take groups of learners on virtual field trips comprised
of multiple photospheres. One of the key features of this app is its ability to enable teachers
to monitor learner gaze during the fieldtrip.
Google Arts and Culture
Explore museums, galleries and all kinds of curated exhibitions. This app can take users on
virtual guided tours of some of the world’s most famous museums.
Public Speaking for Cardboard
This app aims to reduce presenter anxiety by allowing users to practice in a realistic virtual
environment.
Within
Users can experience virtual reality storytelling by watching documentaries, short movies, and
various videos shot using a 360 degree camera.
©2016 Chris Hastings Contact: ​chris@nufs.ac.jp​ & ​joshbrunotte@gmail.com

3. An EL Teacher’s Guide to
Smartphone VR
Recommended VR Games For English Language Learners
Mask of Anubis​ - Available for iOS and Android
A board game where the non-headset users have to recreate the interior of an Egyptian tomb
by listening to the headset-user describe the tomb.
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes​ - Only Available for ​Samsung Gear VR​ or ​Daydream
A video game where the headset user has to defuse a bomb by listening to the instructions of
a non-headset user. This game can also be played in non-VR mode using a PC or Mac.
Common Pitfalls and Limitations of Smartphone VR Activities
➔ Teacher overestimation of learner familiarity with Smartphone use and navigation
➔ Institution lacks Wi-Fi or blocks certain websites/apps
➔ Learner device has no battery or low battery
➔ Learner device is set to turn off the screen after a period of inactivity
➔ Learners unable to download over 4G because of data throttling/limited data plans
➔ Nausea in some learners after using VR
➔ Some learners who wear glasses are unable to use VR without their glasses
➔ App updates can break or remove functionality that a classroom activity relies on
➔ Unreliable Wi-Fi or internet connection can drop users from an activity
Recommended Classroom Procedures
➔ Instruct learners to download all necessary software the week previous to any planned
activities on their home or institution Wi-Fi
➔ Make sure learners have their devices face down when modelling or explaining tasks
➔ Ideally, model by casting your device’s screen to a monitor or projector
➔ Test an activity several times at your institution before trying it in class
➔ Check that an app update hasn’t broken your activity before attempting it in class
➔ Allow sufficient time for learners to get used to navigating the apps
©2016 Chris Hastings Contact: ​chris@nufs.ac.jp​ & ​joshbrunotte@gmail.com