Educators in VR is partnered with Gold Lotus language learning founded by Michael McDonald offering English language learning experiences in virtual reality.
For over four years, Michael McDonald has delivered more than 100 free VR English lessons in AltspaceVR, ENGAGE, and other VR platforms, not counting his successful record-breaking 24-hr English Lesson fundraiser project in VR. He is also the co-leader of the Educators in VR vLanguage Learning Team Project, hosting events with experts and topics on learning language in XR regularly. His free language classes are an opportunity to learn English and expand conversational skills. He also teaches specialized workshops and private lessons focused on specific need and skill levels.
As a leading expert in VR language education, Michael is the Co-Leader of the Educators in VR vLanguage team project, bringing together experts and educators from around the world to expand their knowledge and skills in virtual reality language learning and techniques.
Educators in VR has produced and hosted more than 1000 workshops, classes, and meetups since its founding in 2018, and in 2021, we are launching our Educators in VR Institute in January offering free and paid workshops and classes in VR. We’re proud to launch one of the first series of workshops with Gold Lotus.
vLanguage English 8-hr Course
Over the next month, Michael McDonald is hosting a series of free introductory classes on English-language learning through interactivity and discussion in AltspaceVR with a 4-week paid course designed to build your English speaking skills beginning January 12, 2021, in AltspaceVR.
The 8-hour course is designed to boost your language skills at the start of the year and includes classes twice a week for 4-weeks for exploration of the language for travel, house and home, holidays, weather, dining, and more. The courses will begin on AltspaceVR and expand to other VR platforms soon.
Small intimate classes like this often start at 100 Euros (USD $125). Though the partnership with Educators in VR, we are offering this 8-hour course for 40 Euros (USD $49).
Begin the process by subscribing to our Educators in VR Institute mailing list and we will update you on class times and availability for this and the other workshops, classes, courses, and trainings we are doing for free and low-cost fees.
Showcasing Language Learning Techniques in VR
If you are an educator involved in language learning arts, check out the vLanguage Learning channel in our Educators in VR Discord for tips and information as well as announcements on the next meetups to discuss the topic.
Last week, Michael and his vLanguage Learning Team Project co-leader, Ekaterina Semeniuk (Gingery), held a fascinating demonstration on language learning in ENGAGE using sticky notes and 3D objects to help students more actively working with new vocabulary. This was followed by a trip to a coffee shop where attendees were able to get a taste of how realistic and highly contextual learning environments can support foreign language learners in understanding how to build vocabulary for meaningful interactions in the physical world around them – such as ordering a drink.
Participants also witnessed the spatial recording feature of ENGAGE platform through a willing guinea pig by the name of Sergei, who demonstrated how by recording your avatar within a lesson can bring to the surface useful reflections on what mistakes students make and how they can be corrected, to build deeper meta-cognitive awareness about how one communicates in a foreign language. The group learned even more about how to improve the way people learn a foreign language in VR as it focuses the mind on key vocabulary and grammar necessary for upcoming – more engaging and interactive – tasks within the virtual environment. The event wrapped up standing at the foot of Mount Vesuvius in Italy to witness the eruption of the famous volcano, again a treasure trove of words, expressions, grammar and conversation for the language learner.
This is just a highlight of the potential for learning and teaching in VR, and we are excited to announce our Educators in VR Institute soft launch for January to help you share the VR experience with your students and experience it yourself.
In addition to the Gold Lotus English-language courses, we are developing workshops about VR event hosting, teaching, and virtual world building as well as workshops in VR on a wide variety of subjects including personal and professional development, creative writing, blogging, social media, conflict management, and much more. Stay tuned for more announcements and updates.
This is the first of many such collaborations. For more information, subscribe and join our Educators in VR Discord, Twitter, and Facebook to keep up with all the latest news, events, and resources.
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David Wheland is a tech entrepreneur and founder of VR Education PLC. He is a former Editor-in-chief of Virtual Reality Reviewer and a multi-awarding winning VR director and producer with 10+ years web development, a background in app creation and programming large CRM systems. David believes in a future where education is accessible to all no matter your geographical location or financial status. David’s company VR Education PLC are also the people behind the ENGAGE virtual training and education platform providing users easy to use tools to create and share immersive learning experiences. David has directed and produced Apollo 11 VR and 1943 Berlin Blitz. David also produced Titanic VR and Shuttle Commander.
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