The Evolution of Virtual Reality in Foreign Language Education: From Text-Based MUDs to AI-Enhanced Immersive Environments

Abstract Virtual Reality (VR) has been utilized in foreign language education for over 50 years, and it has gone through four distinct stages in foreign language education: Two-dimensional (2D) text-based VR, three-dimensional (3D) desktop-based VR, 3D HMD-based VR, and AI-enhanced 3D HMD-based VR. Drawing on relevant studies and examples, this article reviews the major breakthroughs in VR technology, presents some widely used VR applications and their affordances for language education at each stage. From early text-based MUDs to AI-enhanced HMD-based VR, the development of VR technology highlights its increasing potential to create immersive, interactive, and personalized language learning experiences.