Design and Construction of a Virtual Environment
for Japanese Language Instruction

by Howard Rose

[Table of Contents]

Conclusion

Based on the available body of literature in educational technology and language pedagogy, I believe that the approach taken in Zengo Sayu is a promising tool for language instruction. Preliminary tests have drawn positive responses from both educators, computer specialists and students. These results are highly encouraging, and highlight the necessity for rigorous, empirical testing of Zengo Sayu.

The initial version of Zengo Sayu has illuminated a number of potential areas for future research. Some future areas of study include: experimenting with new learning and interface metaphors, developing more intuitive and responsive hardware interfaces, and investigating the effects of longer exposure times and different qualities of experience in the virtual environment.

Future designer of virtual environments will have to confront significant technological and social obstacles to success. First, the newness of the technology means there are still substantial hardware and software hurdles to cross for any would-be developer. Second, there is no established set of icons, metaphors or symbols for virtual environments, as is found on the ubiquitous graphical interface of the modern desktop computer. Third, potential students' general unfamiliarity with the technology shall continue to confound learning research using VR until it gains wider acceptance and use in general society.

Human Interface Technology Laboratory