From Academia to Innovation
Henry Aberle, an Adjunct Lecturer of Japanese at Virginia Tech, is passionate about integrating emerging technology into language education. A recent graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s Master’s program in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition, Henry has a keen interest in how Virtual Reality (VR) and Extended Reality (XR) can enhance the way students engage with language learning.
While larger institutions like Virginia Tech and Carnegie Mellon have various departments exploring technology-driven education, Henry’s focus is on using these tools for language instruction—an area where immersive learning has the potential to transform traditional methods.
My interest is in bridging the gap and bringing VR or XR technology more into our educational practices and the classroom.
Creating Interactive Language Experiences with Zoe
With a desire to make learning Japanese more engaging, Henry turned to Zoe to create a VR experience that introduces students to Karuta, a traditional Japanese card game. This game is a cultural touchstone that not only helps learners grasp the Japanese writing system, hiragana, but also exposes them to Japanese history, poetry, and literature.
Key features of Henry’s VR experience:
- Interactive gameplay that teaches hiragana characters
- Contextual learning through historical and cultural elements
- A gamified approach to language acquisition
"I wanted to create a basic experience for people to get a first pass at what the game is and how to play it while incorporating elements that teach Japanese history."
Looking to the Future of XR in Language Learning
Henry sees his project as just the beginning. While his first Zoe experience lays the foundation for teaching Karuta, he envisions a future where VR can provide even richer, more interactive educational tools.
Potential future applications of XR in language learning:
- Multiplayer experiences: Connecting students with native speakers around the world in immersive environments
- Haptic feedback integration: Enhancing the sensory experience of interacting with objects, like playing physical card games in VR
- More expansive learning modules: Incorporating voice recognition, AI-driven tutoring, and historical reenactments
“XR technology provides spaces not only to do things that may not be possible in the real world but also to connect with people across great distances.”
The Benefits of Creating Custom VR Lessons
One of the biggest advantages Henry found in using Zoe was the ability to customize his learning environment. Unlike pre-built educational tools, Zoe gave him the flexibility to design his lesson from the ground up, ensuring that it was perfectly suited to his needs.
Why build your own VR experience?
✔ Autonomy – Tailor content specifically for your students' needs
✔ Creativity – Build unique assets and environments
✔ Engagement – Create experiences that wouldn’t be possible in a traditional classroom
There’s only so much you can learn by reading and watching others—you just have to get in there and start exploring.
Bringing VR to Your Classroom
Henry’s work highlights how VR can enhance language learning, making abstract concepts more tangible and engaging. If you’re an educator looking to innovate in your field, Zoe can help you bring your vision to life—whether in language instruction, history, science, or beyond.
Ready to bring your own lessons to life in VR? Explore Zoe and start building your interactive classroom today.