Abdullah A. Al Fraidan
Department of English Language, College of Arts, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
Mayamin Abdullah Olaywi
Department of English Language, College of Arts, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
In recent years, technological advancements have profoundly reshaped various facets of daily life. An emerging innovation in this realm is the integration of the metaverse—a virtual reality space enabling immersive digital interactions—into language classrooms. This integration promises transformative opportunities for enhancing vocabulary learning through interactive and immersive experiences. However, the literature on metaverse integration in English language education remains underexplored, particularly regarding its implementation nuances and impacts. This paper reviews existing literature on metaverse technology in education, focusing on its potential to enhance vocabulary acquisition and the associated challenges in the Saudi educational system. Drawing insights from studies on virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and metaverse-based platforms like Minecraft and Roblox, the paper explores the pedagogical implications and technological affordances for English language classrooms. It also discusses the practical considerations and limitations of metaverse integration, highlighting the need for innovative strategies to optimize its educational benefits. By synthesizing current research, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of metaverse technology’s role in English language education, offering five suggested scenarios for implementing Metaverse into the Saudi educational system giving insights for educators and policymakers to navigate its implementation effectively.
Abraham, A., Suseelan, B., Mathew, J., et al., 2023. A Study on Metaverse in Education. Proceedings of The 2023 7th International Conference on Computing Methodologies and Communication (ICCMC), Erode, India, 23–25 February 2023. pp. 1570–1573. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/ICCMC56507.2023.10083910
Al-Gamdi, M.A., 2019. Virtual reality in TEFL context, instructors’ perspectives in a Saudi University. English Language and Literature Studies. 9(2), 25. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5539/ells.v9n2p25
Alhadiah, A., 2020. EFL learners’ experience of a mall-based Vocabulary Learning Tool. Indonesian Journal of Applied Linguistics. 10(2), 283–291. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17509/ijal.v10i2.28590
Alizadeh, M., Cowie, N., 2022. Language learning and virtual reality: A scoping review. ASCILITE Publications. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14742/apubs.2022.258
Banditvilai, C., 2016. Enhancing Students' Language Skills through Blended Learning. Electronic Journal of e-Learning. 14, 220–229.
Bilanti, E., Susilawati, E., Suhartono, L., et al., 2022. Developing a minecraft Adventure Map to support eleventh grade senior high school students’ vocabulary learning. IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature. 10(2), 1379–1393. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24256/ideas.v10i2.3000
Cai, S., Jiao, X., Song, B., 2022. Open another door to education—applications, challenges and perspectives of the Educational Metaverse. Metaverse. 3(1), 11. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54517/met.v3i1.1798
Castillo-Cuesta, L., 2020. Using digital games for enhancing EFL grammar and vocabulary in higher education. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 15(20), 116. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v15i20.16159
Dooly, M., Thrasher, T., Sadler, R., 2023. “Whoa! Incredible!:” Language Learning Experiences in Virtual Reality. RELC Journal. 54, 321–339. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/00336882231167610
Fan, L., Chiang, J., 2023. A systematic review of the application of metaverse in language education: Prominent themes, research methods, impacts, and future challenges. Journal of Language Teaching. 3(10), 1–14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54475/jlt.2023.026
Han, J., Liu, G., Gao, Y., 2023. Learners in the metaverse: A systematic review on the use of Roblox in learning. Education Sciences. 13(3), 296. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13030296
Hilliard, A., 1992. The Pitfalls and Promises of Special Education Practice. Exceptional Children. 59, 168–172. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/001440299205900210
Kaddoura, S., Al Husseiny, F., 2023. The rising trend of metaverse in education: Challenges, opportunities, and ethical considerations. PeerJ Computer Science. 9, e1252. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj-cs.1252
Kamińska, D., Sapiński, T., Wiak, S., et al., 2019. Virtual Reality and Its Applications in Education: Survey. Information. 10(10), 318. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/info10100318
Karacan, C.G., Akoğlu, K., 2021. Educational Augmented Reality Technology for Language Learning and Teaching: A Comprehensive Review. Shanlax International Journal of Education. 9(2), 68–79. DOI: https://doi.org/10.34293/education.v9i2.3715
Li, M., Yu, Z., 2023. A systematic review on the metaverse-based blended English learning. Frontiers in Psychology. 13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1087508
Madini, A.A., Alshaikhi, D., 2017. Virtual reality for teaching ESP vocabulary: A myth or a possibility. International Journal of English Language Education. 5(2), 111. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5296/ijele.v5i2.11993
Mustafa, B., 2022. Analyzing education based on metaverse technology. Technium Social Sciences Journal. 32, 278-–295. DOI: https://doi.org/10.47577/tssj.v32i1.6742
Mystakidis, S., 2022. Metaverse. Encyclopedia. 2(1), 486–497. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia2010031
Onggirawan, C.A., Kho, J.M., Kartiwa, A.P., et al., 2023. Systematic literature review: The adaptation of distance learning process during the COVID-19 pandemic using virtual educational spaces in metaverse. Procedia Computer Science. 216, 274–283. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2022.12.137
Pari-Bedoya, I., Vargas-Murillo, A., Palacios, R., et al., 2023. Smart Learning in Virtual Worlds: A Systematic Literature Review on the Usage and Applications of Metaverse in Education. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research. 22(9), 85–101. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.22.9.5
Prayogi, A., Wulandari, M., 2021. Implementing a mobile application Quizlet to help Senior High School students learn vocabulary. ELT Forum: Journal of English Language Teaching. 10(1), 87–99. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15294/elt.v10i1.42775
Rahman, K., Shi̇tol, S., Islam, M., et al., 2023. Use of Metaverse Technology in Education Domain. Journal of Metaverse. 3, 79–86. DOI: https://doi.org/10.57019/jmv.1223704
Rudnik, Y., 2023. The use of the metaverse studio application in foreign language teaching as an innovative AR technology. OPEN EDUCATIONAL E-ENVIRONMENT OF MODERN UNIVERSITY. (14), 40–49. DOI: https://doi.org/10.28925/2414-0325.2023.144
Samala, A., Taali, U., Ambiyar, A., et al., 2023. Metaverse Technologies in Education: A Systematic Literature Review Using PRISMA. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET). 18(05), 231–252. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v18i05.35501
Sarıtaş, M.T., Topraklıkoğlu, K., 2022. Systematic literature review on the use of metaverse in education. International Journal of Technology in Education (IJTE). 5(4), 586–607. DOI: https://doi.org/10.46328/ijte.319
Sghaier, S., Elfakki, A., Alotaibi, A., 2022. Development of an intelligent system based on metaverse learning for students with disabilities. Frontiers in Robotics and AI. 9, 1006921. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/frobt.2022.1006921
Shi, F., Ning, H., Zhang, X., et al., 2023. A new technology perspective of the metaverse: Its essence, framework and challenges. Digital Communications and Networks. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcan.2023.02.017
Tai, T.-Y., Chen, H.H.-J., 2021. The Impact of Immersive Virtual Reality on EFL Learners’ Listening Comprehension. Journal of Educational Computing Research. 59(7), 1272–1293. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0735633121994291
Yue, Q., 2023. Analysis of Meta-Cosmos Empowering Basic English Teaching and Learning. Frontiers in Humanities and Social Sciences. 3(9), 39–44. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54691/fhss.v3i9.5631
Zhang, X., Chen, Y., Hu, L., et al., 2022. The metaverse in education: Definition, framework, features, potential applications, challenges, and future research topics. Frontiers in Psychology. 13, 1016300. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1016300
Zhang, X., Zhao, H., Zhou, J., et al., 2023. Remote Collaborations in Metaverse under 5G Mobile Networks. IEEE Communications Magazine. 61, 16–22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/MCOM.003.2200624
Zhou, B., 2022. Building a Smart Education Ecosystem from a Metaverse Perspective. Mobile Information Systems. 2022(3), 1–10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/1938329
Copyright © 2024 Abdullah A. Al Fraidan, Mayamin Abdullah Olaywi
This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
