Virtual Environments for Cultural Learning

We review six virtual learning environments built to support the acquisition of cultural knowledge and communication skills: Croquelandia, ATL, Second China, TLCTS, BiLAT, and VECTOR. Each leverages modern 3D video game engine technology which allows high-fidelity simulation of new cultural settings. This includes representations of buildings, streets, art work, dress, voice, gestures, and more. To bring more realism to simulated cultural interactions, several of the systems include artificial intelligence (AI) models of culture, communication, and emotion. Additionally, several rely on narrative-based techniques to place the target culture in context and enhance motivation of those using the systems. We conclude with a discussion of the role virtual environments might play in broader intercultural education programs and suggest that new approaches for their evaluation are critical if they are to become more widespread in their adoption.

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