VR-ISLAND: Virtual Reality, Inclusion and Special Language Needs

Abstract

The workshop “VR-ISLAND: Virtual Reality, Inclusion and Special Language Needs” is about the application of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) tools and environments to inclusive language teaching. In fact, all the contributions included in the workshop speculate upon language teaching to students with Special Language Needs (SLN), that is students with language differences, language disorders, cognitive and sensorial disabilities, specific and diverse socio-linguistic backgrounds. Based on the discussion, VR and AR technologies have proved to have a positive impact on language inclusion because they increase students’ engagement and motivation, enhance certain language skills, reduce anxiety and affective filter.