VIRTUAL REALITIES IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING: THE USE OF VR AND AR FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNICATION SKILLS OF HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS

Abstract

The article discusses the possibilities of using virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) technologies in the process of learning foreign languages by higher education students. Particular attention is paid to their application in military higher education institutions for the development of English communication skills of future officers. The relevance of the study is determined by the need to modernise the educational process, increase the motivation of students and develop their communication skills in the context of the digitalisation of society. The essence of the concepts of VR and AR and the advantages of VR and AR in creating conditions for authentic communication, their didactic possibilities and differences are analysed, the main challenges of their implementation are identified, and the prospects for development, as well as the pedagogical potential in the formation of foreign language communication competence, are outlined.
Particular attention is paid to the possibilities of creating conditions for language immersion, modelling real communication situations and developing speaking and listening skills. It is argued that the use of VR contributes to the complete immersion of learners in a virtual foreign language environment, while AR provides contextual learning by combining the real world with digital language prompts. The article states that the use of these technologies stimulates cognitive activity, reduces psychological barriers to communication in a foreign language, and promotes the development of intercultural competence. The examples given of the use of virtual simulations in the training of military specialists demonstrate the practical value of such technologies in the formation of professional foreign language competence.
It is concluded that the integration of VR and AR into foreign language teaching is a promising direction for the development of higher education, which requires methodologically sound implementation and training of teachers to work with innovative digital tools.