VR Games for Second Language Acquisition

Learning through games has become an important research topic. One area of particular interest within the subject is Second Language Acquisition (SLA). There have been many studies regarding the advantages of using games for teaching. However, a new technology that can expand the topic further has emerged in the form of immersive virtual reality (VR) headsets. There have been studies supporting the superiority of this type of VR systems over desktop-based learning on some subjects. Nevertheless, VR games for SLA is a topic that seems extremely promising, but with many open questions and very little research conducted at the moment. The primary aim of this work is to advance our knowledge of how to design and develop VR games for SLA. To achieve this aim, the project has two related objectives. First, there is a need to understand the principles that can underline the design of such games. Second, based on this understanding, we need to develop a set of games for second language learning to make the process efficient, enjoyable, and entertaining. The PhD student will have the potential to work with a company on this project.


For more information about doctoral scholarship and PhD programme at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU): Please visit:

http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/phd/entry-requirements.html

http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/phd/feesscholarships.html

Requirements:
The candidate should have a first class or upper second class honours degree, or a master’s degree (or equivalent qualification), in Computer Science or a closely related subject. The ideal candidate should have a strong interest in Human-Computer Interaction, gaming and VR technologies, and interaction design (e.g., experiment design, hypothesis testing, and data analysis). Evidence of good spoken and written English is essential. The candidate should have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, or an equivalent qualification, if the first language is not English. This position is open to all qualified candidates irrespective of nationality.

Degree:
The student will be awarded a PhD degree from the University of Liverpool (UK) upon successful completion of the program.

How to Apply:
Interested applicants are advised to email [Email Address Removed] (principal supervisor’s email address) the following documents and copy [Email Address Removed] (please put the project title in the subject line).

• CV
• Two reference letters with company/university letterhead
• Personal statement outlining your interest in the position
• Proof of English language proficiency (an IELTS score of above 6.5 or equivalent is required
• Verified school transcripts in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
• Verified certificates of education qualifications in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr. Hai-Ning Liang ([Email Address Removed] , whose personal profile is linked below,
http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/departments/academic-departments/computer-science-and-software-engineering/staff/hai-ning-liang