Virtual reality as a pedagogical tool to increase the effectiveness of ESP teaching

Abstract

In modern education, the relevance of the search for new teaching methods is emphasized by the growing interest in effective approaches. Virtual reality (VR) is gaining attention as a potential tool for providing immersive learning environments. The purpose of the study is to explore the possibilities of using VR in teaching English for Specific Purposes. An analysis of existing ESP VR courses was carried out and new ones were developed, taking into account professional characteristics. The influence of VR on students' motivation and performance was studied. The results confirm the effectiveness of VR in teaching ESP, allowing students to immerse themselves in a professional environment, practice skills in a safe environment and increase motivation to learn the language. The study makes a valuable contribution to the exploration of VR capabilities in ESP and may be useful for the development of educational programs. Research methods include literature analysis, questionnaires and testing, and a pedagogical experiment comparing the effectiveness of teaching using VR and traditional methods. The practical significance of the work is expressed in the development of specific tools — VR courses and exercises that help increase the efficiency of ESP learning and a deep understanding of the material by students.