Quinn Taber, founder and CEO of Irvine-based virtual reality language-learning company, Immerse, grew up with parents who did humanitarian work and moved around a lot. It was difficult for him to learn new languages, and when he moved back to the Middle East where he was originally from, he immersed himself in the language in order to understand and learn it. Mark Warschauer, the director of UC Irvine's Digital Learning Lab who founded the journal Language Learning and Technology, knows that effective language learning involves a combination of structured instruction and immersive practice. He also knows that one of the best ways to learn another language is by studying abroad, but not everyone is able to do that. Technology is able to reach a greater number of people and at a lower cost, which is all how he came up with the idea for Immerse.
Warschauer also looked into a study of game-based learning involving games such as World of Warcraft and Second Life. There is research on how these games can improve someone’s Spanish if playing the Spanish version.
Immerse’s VR engineer, Dylan Walsh says that virtual reality is the only way to allow for true immersion. He explained how they can create a scenario where a person would have to give a public presentation on a stage to simulate emotions and anxiety, but within a safe environment with a patient tutor right there to help. I can see how this could help many people face their fear of public speaking, not just ESL learners.
Users of this program are given a VR headset and have an English teacher from anywhere in the world. They are given different situations pertinent to their lives. For example, if someone has a business trip, they can practice going to the airport and check their flight time. Then their teacher can switch gears and have the student practice ordering food. It sounds very exciting and beneficial to learners.
Taber wants to keep Immerse accessible to everyone and eventually grow the company. In the meantime, he is using the program to help employ Syrian refugees in need of work by training them to become language teachers.
