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    Author: PM

    Newsletter 3

    Written by PM on . Posted in Uncategorized.

    Celebrating the Journey and Achievements

    As the XR-WOMEN project reaches its conclusion, we find ourselves filled with mixed emotions. While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to a journey we have thoroughly enjoyed, we are immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together. This project has been a meaningful step towards fostering social inclusion and active participation for women refugees and women with fewer opportunities, and we are honored to have been a part of this transformative initiative.

    A Vision of Inclusion and Empowerment

    At its core, the XR-WOMEN project has been driven by the principle of inclusion, aligning with priorities in education and training. Learning second language has been our focus—a key tool for social integration of women refugees and women with fewer opportunities. 

    Leveraging innovative Extended Reality (XR) technologies, the project has brought life to interactive language-learning environment. This approach has empowered women to overcome the challenges and anxieties associated with learning a new language while boosting their confidence. Additionally, it has provided educators with essential tools and resources to effectively support women in mastering a second language.

    By utilizing Extended Reality tools, XR-WOMEN has opened doors to unique learning experiences, blending the real and the virtual to create a dynamic training space that is both engaging and practical.

    Key Achievements

    1. The XR Inclusion Toolkit

    Our flagship outcome, the XR Inclusion Toolkit, was developed in collaboration with renowned experts to address the gap between refugee women, women with fewer opportunities, and language education. The Toolkit includes:

    • Research: mapping state of XR developments in language learning in Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, and Poland

    • XR Toolkit best practices: a list of various tools and applications that foster Foreign Language Learning (FLL) in digital and XR/AR environments 

    • Recommendations: meet 5 tools that we decided had the best solutions for using technology in the furthering of foreign language learning

    • 5 lesson plans using XR tools

    This Toolkit empowers educators to seamlessly integrate XR technologies into their teaching, offering practical resources for language teachers worldwide.

     

    2. Training Materials and Online Learning Space

    The second major outcome is an interactive training program for language teachers, designed specifically to address the needs of women refugees and women with fewer opportunities. The program consists of four interactive learning modules:

      • Introduction to XR – what is extended reality and what are the benefits of using XR for language learning
    • Teaching methodologies/strategies to integrate XR approaches and technologies in language learning
    • Designing lessons based in the use of XR for women with fewer opportunities, evaluation methods
    • Specific XR tools (Oculus) appropriate to use

    To ensure accessibility and gain valuable feedback, the materials were introduced through piloting workshops conducted by our consortium partners, benefiting both language teachers and women with limited opportunities.

    Celebrating Our Impact

    As part of the project’s conclusion, we organized final events to share our results with the community. These events brought together women refugees, women with fewer opportunities, language teachers, other stakeholders, and individuals eager to explore the potential of XR in education.

    The feedback we received has been very positive, and we are confident that the resources developed through XR-WOMEN will continue to support language learning and social inclusion efforts well beyond the project’s duration.

    Final Words of Gratitude

    We hope these tools inspire others to integrate XR technology into their efforts to create inclusive, supportive educational spaces.

    We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the project’s success—project partners, language teachers and experts in adult language education, women refugees and women with fewer opportunities, and all those who supported this initiative.

    Warm regards,
    The XR-WOMEN Consortium

    Access our Resources

    THE XR INCLUSION TOOLKIT        TRAINING MATERIALS AND ONLINE LEARNING SPACE

    Stay informed

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    University of the Agean facebook

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    Swiss Federation for Adult Learning LinkedIn 

    Contact mail

    info@cardet.org

    Are we ready for the new technologies?

    Written by PM on . Posted in News.

    We are currently living in a time in which traditional ideas about what our role in the world is are constantly being re-evaluated. Phenomena such as posthumanism, transhumanism, genetic modification, artificial intelligence or the digital revolution, which has accelerated rapidly in recent years, are forcing us to redefine the classic nature-culture opposition and other seemingly familiar concepts. What does it mean that we are rational subjects with cognitive capacities? Beings endowed with consciousness? Individuals capable of making moral choices? And finally, creative individuals, creators of literature, art and culture? Although homo sapiens still sets the rules for other species, the Renaissance-Enlightenment anthropological paradigm that placed humans at the centre of reality and made them the measure of all things is no longer the only possible option. This means that we humans must, as it were, ask the question anew about who we are and redefine ourselves in the face of nature, culture and ubiquitous technology. But are we ready to face the reality that is coming? Do our culture, literature, art, norms of behaviour, the languages we communicate with, the way we think and philosophical concepts give us the tools we need to understand it properly and be able to identify the potential opportunities and threats it presents? What is the place of nature and living organisms in the world of new technologies?

    XR Tools in Foreign Language Learning: Do you know what VR, AR and MR means?

    Written by PM on . Posted in News, Uncategorized.

    The topic of virtual reality in education began to interweave in a significant way into the education process, especially during the pandemic, when many pupils and students had limited personal presence during education. Education is being digitised and modernised at all educational levels. Also foreign language learning through XR tools is not lagging behind.

    VR, AR, and MR are different types of Extended Reality (XR) tools used in various educational contexts, including foreign language learning. Each of these technologies offers unique features that can enhance the language learning experience. Let’s explore their meanings and applications in language education:

    Virtual Reality (VR):

    VR is a computer-generated simulation or recreation of a three-dimensional environment that users can interact with in a seemingly real or physical way. It typically involves the use of a VR headset to immerse learners in a virtual world. In foreign language learning, VR can create realistic and context-rich language environments, allowing learners to practice their language skills in authentic situations. Here’s how VR is applied:

    Virtual Language Immersion: Learners can be virtually transported to foreign countries, markets, classrooms, or other language-rich settings where they can interact with native speakers, practice conversations, and improve language comprehension.

    Role-playing and Simulation: Learners can participate in virtual role-playing scenarios to practice real-life language use, such as ordering food, negotiating, or making travel arrangements.

    Cultural Exploration: VR experiences can provide learners with a virtual tour of foreign cities, landmarks, and cultural events, offering insights into the target language’s culture and customs.

    Augmented Reality (AR):

    AR is a technology that overlays digital information, such as text, images, or 3D objects, onto the real-world environment. Unlike VR, AR does not replace the user’s real-world perception but enhances it with additional digital content. AR can be accessed through smartphones, tablets, or AR glasses. In foreign language learning, AR is applied in the following ways:

    Real-time Translation: AR can translate signs, menus, or written text in a foreign language, providing learners with immediate assistance in understanding unfamiliar content.

    Contextual Vocabulary Learning: AR can display labels on real-world objects, helping learners associate new vocabulary with physical items they encounter in their environment.

    Cultural and Historical Information: AR can overlay historical or cultural information onto landmarks, artworks, or monuments, giving learners deeper insights into the target language’s heritage.

    Mixed Reality (MR):

    MR combines elements of both VR and AR to create an interactive experience where digital content and the real world interact in real-time. Users can interact with virtual objects while still being aware of and interacting with the physical environment. In foreign language learning, MR can be used in the following ways:

    Interactive Language Lessons: MR can enable interactive language lessons with 3D objects and animations, making language learning more engaging and immersive.

    Collaborative Learning: MR platforms can connect learners from different locations to engage in collaborative language learning activities, fostering communication and cultural exchange.

    Overall, by integrating XR tools into foreign language learning, educators can create dynamic and immersive learning experiences that motivate learners, facilitate practical language use, and enhance overall language proficiency. These technologies open up new possibilities for learners to explore and interact with the language in ways that traditional methods cannot achieve. However, it’s crucial to ensure that XR tools are integrated thoughtfully and purposefully into language education, complementing other teaching methodologies to create a well-rounded and effective language learning experience.

    Mixed Reality Technology in Language Learning

    Written by PM on . Posted in News.

    Learning a new language is often perceived as a complex endeavor, with various challenges identified by researchers. These challenges encompass issues such as student motivation, difficulty grasping the language, and a lack of engagement in traditional learning methods. This lack of motivation is frequently attributed to dissatisfaction with teaching programs and methodologies. Additionally, insufficient teaching resources hinder students’ ability to comprehend language concepts, as seen in previous studies on teaching Arabic.

    In recent years, mixed reality (MR) technology, which merges digital and physical elements to create immersive experiences, has gained traction in education, with Canada and China among the countries exploring its integration into teaching and learning. This technological integration has improved access to educational resources, enhanced teaching quality, and motivated both students and teachers. Teachers have transitioned from traditional roles to facilitators and resource persons, and their attitude towards technology greatly influences its effectiveness in the educational system.

    Studies have shown that MR technology, in particular, has positively impacted language learning by increasing fluency, engagement, and achievement. It has been instrumental in making language lessons enjoyable and effective, fostering collaboration among students, and boosting motivation. Moreover, the use of technology, especially MR, has been linked to teachers’ computer self-efficacy and their ability to adapt to changing roles in the classroom.

    The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online teaching worldwide, necessitating teacher training in digital tools and educational methods. XR technology, including MR, has proven effective in language learning, emphasizing the need for teachers to harness its potential to motivate students.

    Overall, MR technology has facilitated language learning by improving students’ fluency, engagement, and motivation. However, challenges such as technical difficulties and limited training opportunities need to be addressed to maximize its benefits in education, especially language instruction. Further research is also required to explore the full potential of XR technology in language acquisition across various educational stages.

     

    References:

    Application of the Extended Reality Technology for Teaching New Languages: A Systematic Review Paper: 10.3390/app112311360

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