Promoting Intercultural Competence in a Learning Activity Supported by Virtual Reality Technology

Authors

  • Rustam Shadiev School of Education Science, Nanjing Normal University http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5571-1158
  • Xueying Wang School of Education Science, Nanjing Normal University
  • Yueh Min Huang Department of Engineering Science, National Cheng Kung University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v21i3.4752

Keywords:

intercultural competence, learning activity, virtual reality, technology

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) technology makes it possible to create an authentic virtual environment that benefits immersive learning. We designed an intercultural learning activity and applied VR technology to support it. Then, we investigated students’ perceptions of the learning activity, VR technology, and intercultural competence (IC) development during learning. Students from China and Uzbekistan participated in the activity, in which a pragmatic mixed-methods approach was used. The data were collected through student reports, three questionnaires, and interviews, and then analyzed. Three main findings were obtained. First, 13 items related to perception of the learning activity were revealed. When compared with earlier studies, new items were found, including presence, immersion, and authentic cultural experience. Second, the results showed that the participants intended to continue using VR technology, were satisfied with intercultural learning supported by VR technology, and felt that the technology confirmed their expectations. Third, the results showed that intercultural learning supported by VR technology helped facilitate IC development. Based on these results, we discuss implications and offer suggestions for educators and researchers.

Author Biographies

Rustam Shadiev, School of Education Science, Nanjing Normal University

Dr. Rustam Shadiev is professor at School of Education Science, Nanjing Normal University, China. He is distinguished professor of Jiangsu province, China. His research interest includes advanced learning technologies to support language learning and cross-cultural education. Currently, he is senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Xueying Wang , School of Education Science, Nanjing Normal University

Miss. Wang Xueying is Master of Science students at School of Education Science, Nanjing Normal University, China. Her research interest covers technology-assisted cross-cultural education.

Yueh Min Huang, Department of Engineering Science, National Cheng Kung University

Dr. Yueh-Min Huang is chair professor at the Department of Engineering Science, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan. His research interests focus on e-learning, multimedia communications, artificial intelligence, and embedded systems.

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Published

2020-05-14

How to Cite

Shadiev, R., Wang , X., & Huang, Y. M. . (2020). Promoting Intercultural Competence in a Learning Activity Supported by Virtual Reality Technology . The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 21(3), 157–174. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v21i3.4752

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 3 (2020)

Section

Research Articles

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