In interpreter education, preparing students goes far beyond mastering language. Interpreters must navigate complex ethical decisions and understand the diverse environments where they work—from hospitals to courtrooms to community spaces. Traditional classrooms often fall short in providing realistic, low-risk opportunities to build these skills. This is where augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) step in.
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AR and VR technologies immerse students in dynamic, interactive experiences that strengthen engagement and retention. VR creates fully simulated environments where interpreters can practice under pressure, while AR overlays real-time information on tasks, adding depth and context. Studies consistently show that these tools boost cognitive, behavioral, and emotional engagement—factors directly tied to learning outcomes and professional readiness (Lin et al., 2024; Strojny & Dużmańska-Misiarczyk, 2023).
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In our ultimate computer lab, we see three specific applications with the greatest impact:
• Virtual Case Simulations (VR): Students can practice interpreting in lifelike scenarios such as medical emergencies or legal proceedings. These simulations sharpen ethical decision-making and allow students to test professional judgment in a safe space (Villena-Taranilla & Diago, 2025).
• Branching AR Storytelling: Using AR, learners explore narratives where their ethical choices shape the outcome. This interactive format provides instant feedback and reinforces the connection between decision-making and consequences.
• Virtual Reality Field Trips: Guided tours of workplaces and cultural sites build essential schema knowledge. By experiencing the settings interpreters encounter daily, students strengthen cultural competence and situational awareness (Samala et al., 2025).
Our lab is already equipped with a VR zone, flexible learning areas, and advanced workstations, making integration straightforward. Faculty training and phased rollouts will ensure accessibility and sustainability while addressing challenges like cost and usability.
The value of AR/VR integration is clear: it bridges the gap between classroom learning and professional realities. Ethical decision-making becomes lived practice rather than theory, and schema development expands far beyond textbooks. By adopting these technologies, we prepare interpreters not only to pass certification exams but also to enter the field with confidence and cultural agility.
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Investing in AR/VR is not simply about upgrading hardware—it’s about transforming how we prepare interpreters for the demands of their profession. With immersive, interactive training, our program can lead the way in shaping a new standard for interpreter education.
References
Lin, X. P., Li, B. B., Yao, Z. N., Yang, Z., & Zhang, M. (2024). The impact of virtual reality on student engagement in the classroom–A critical review of the literature. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1360574
Samala, A. D., Rawas, S., Rahmadika, S., Criollo-C, S., Fikri, R., & Sandra, R. P. (2025). Virtual reality in education: Global trends, challenges, and impacts—Game changer or passing trend? Discover Education, 4(1), 1–45. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00650-z
Strojny, P., & Dużmańska-Misiarczyk, N. (2023). Measuring the effectiveness of virtual training: A systematic review. Computers & Education: X Reality, 2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cexr.2022.100006
Villena-Taranilla, R., & Diago, P. (2025). Challenges and implications of virtual reality in history education: A systematic review. Applied Sciences, 15(10), 5589. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105589