Design & Research AI-Driven Gamified Virtual Immersive Language Learning Environments
by Qinyuan Li, PhD
This project builds upon findings from my doctoral research on immersive language learning strategies and affective influences, further exploring how immersive environments impact learners’ behaviours, strategies, motivation, and learning outcomes, with a particular focus on subconscious strategy transfer and the process of emotional awareness. Traditionally, immersive learning requires a demanding physical environment, but advances in AI technology have made such experiences increasingly accessible in virtual settings. AI-powered NPCs (non-player characters) can provide personalised, dynamic language interactions and heuristic teaching, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional virtual language learning.
The research uses the highly open-ended and widely adopted sandbox game Minecraft as a platform. By integrating AI agents into the game via Java programming, learners are able to interact and collaborate with the AI through natural language in the game’s chat interface. The next stage of the project will involve designing language learning tasks within customised game scenarios, further enhancing the AI agent’s role in providing feedback and guiding learning strategies, ultimately establishing a virtual immersive language learning environment.
The aim of this project is to systematically investigate learning behaviours, strategy transfer, motivational changes, and learning outcomes within a virtual immersive environment. It also seeks to explore innovative integrations of AI and gaming technology in language education, providing both practical and theoretical insights for the development of intelligent language teaching in the future.
AI驱动的游戏化虚拟沉浸式语言学习环境的设计与研究
李沁园 博士
本项目基于博士论文中关于沉浸式语言学习策略与情感影响的发现，进一步探讨沉浸式环境对语言学习者行为、策略、动机及学习效果的影响，尤其关注潜意识策略迁移和情绪觉察过程。传统的沉浸式学习对物理环境要求较高，但随着AI技术的发展，虚拟环境下的沉浸式体验变得更为可及。AI赋能下的NPC能够提供个性化、丰富的语言互动与启发式教学，有望突破以往虚拟语言学习的局限。
本研究以开放性强、受众广泛的沙盒游戏Minecraft为平台，通过Java编程实现AI agent在游戏中的嵌入，支持学习者通过自然语言与AI进行交流和任务协作。项目下一步将围绕游戏场景设计面向语言学习的任务，强化AI agent在学习反馈与策略引导中的作用，最终形成虚拟沉浸式语言学习环境。
本项目旨在系统研究虚拟沉浸式语言学习中的行为模式、策略迁移、动机变化及其对学习成效的影响，探索AI和游戏技术在语言教育中的创新融合路径，并为今后智能化语言教学的实践和理论发展提供借鉴。