Doctoral Dissertation Research:Language and Language Learning with Virtual Reality Technologies

This research examines how virtual reality (VR) technology is being used to transform language and language learning. The goal of the study is to increase understanding of how digital technologies shape multimodal language in virtual worlds. Findings from this study will illuminate how uses of VR technologies shape language and emerging relationships between technology and culture. VR technology is studied through twelve months of research with individuals who regularly use VR equipment to interact with others in virtual worlds. Semi-structured interviews, participant observation, online media analysis, survey, and archival research are used to collect qualitative and quantitative data. The study is expected to produce scholarly knowledge relevant to industry stakeholders, users, and decision makers on developing new technologies for enhancing language learning and communication in VR spaces. This project is jointly funded by Cultural Anthropology and Science and Technology Studies. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.