Language learning within virtual reality provides immersion that flat screens do not. Speaking with someone in a context-rich environment, simulating a face-to-face interaction without the same pressures, can help students feel more comfortable taking risks.
With the advance of hand tracking technology, sign language lessons are now possible within virtual reality.
At the Computer Perception and Virtual Reality research group (cpvrLab), in Switzerland, Cédric Girardin created a basic Quest app that can recognize and teach users up to 23 hand signs from the German fingerspelling alphabet.
Further advancements with the technology, and the addition of multiple sign languages, will prove valuable for students learning sign.
