Implementation and application of extended reality in foreign language education for specific purposes: a systematic literature review

PurposeExtended Reality (XR) applications such as Augmented, Virtual and Mixed Reality have extensively supported foreign language education for specific purposes, creating opportunities and challenges that are different from the ones in general foreign language contexts. However, there is a lack of comprehensive description of XR applications aiming to support language learning for specific purposes. This study was conducted to fill this gap by reviewing the state-of-the-art technology in the use of XR for language learning for specific purposes.MethodsPublished manuscripts during the period 2020-2024 were searched electronically with an eye to retrieve recent relevant published literature on the topic. The criteria for inclusion in the final review were met by a total of 33 articles.ResultsThe analysis indicated six types of tasks being employed in the use of XR for specific purposes (i.e., role playing, peer tutoring/dyadic task, informal discussions, closed outcome tasks, XR environment exploration, and XR content creation). Primary purposes and benefits of XR technologies were identified: authentic contexts, oral proficiency improvement and development of communication skills, creative thinking, improvement of long-term memory, motivation, and students' multimodal literacy.ConclusionIncreased attention was directed toward VR applications for language learning for specific purposes. Both students' and teachers' familiarity with XR technologies plays a crucial role in their overall learning and teaching experience. The added value of XR in the teaching and learning circumstances should be taken into consideration. Implications for educators and future research are suggested.