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VR and the ESL Classroom

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  Virtual reality (VR) are tech tools that I considered out of reach for the average ESL classroom—I couldn’t imagine the applications to language learning, and I didn’t think the technology would be accessible in most classrooms in the near future. However, last week’s presentation on emerging technologies helped me realize that this technology may not be as irrelevant or inaccessible as I first thought. Accessing VR There are numerous VR devices on the market. However, for someone just beginning to explore its use in the classroom, Google Cardboard (n.d.) offers access to VR glasses with a reasonably low barrier to entry, with glasses costing between $5 and $50 CAD. Benefits Bonner and Reinders (2018) highlight several potential benefits to VR use in education: -          -   Increases student motivation -       -  Lowers anxiety related to second language use in an authentic environment -           -  Provides context for reading and listening activities -           - 
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Digital Divide

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  In March 2020, when the country shut down and schools moved online, the digital divide was noticeable in my classes. While some students had consistent access to a suitable laptop and reliable internet connection, that was not the case for everyone. Some students were unable to attend synchronous classes or regularly complete homework because they had to share their devices with their children or a working spouse. Others were unable to access libraries or other locations that usually offer free internet access because of lockdowns. Additionally, because students were now studying from home, some who were overseas had trouble accessing content because of local restrictions or lacking high-speed internet infrastructure. A recent report released by the city of Toronto highlights the disparities between digital access in the city. Some key findings from the report: ·        Although more than 95% of Torontonians have access to internet at home, fewer than 40% of households with an in
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