An exploratory analysis of the impact of learners’ first language on vocabulary recall using immersive technologies
Kevin Papin, Regina Kaplan‐Rakowski
Abstract
This exploratory post-hoc analysis examined the impact of learners’ first language (L1) on learning vocabulary annotated in immersive 360º pictures. This analysis is a part of a larger, between-subjects study (Papin & Kaplan-Rakowski, 2020) in which learners (N=63) of French as a second language (L2) studied vocabulary annotated in (1) Two-Dimensional (2D) pictures viewed on a desktop monitor, (2) 360º pictures viewed on a desktop monitor, and (3) 360º pictures viewed using a Virtual Reality (VR) headset. A multiple regression linear model revealed that native speakers of English benefited significantly more from immersive technologies compared with L1 Chinese speakers. When low-immersion and high-immersion technologies were used, Chinese L1 speakers were significantly disadvantaged by high-immersion VR. This study has implications in the field of L2 vocabulary research and learning materials design.