ANALYSIS OF THE NEEDS FOR DEVELOPING VIRTUAL REALITY TOUR MEDIA WITH A CULTURAL APPROACH TO IMPROVE LANGUAGE SKILLS

Abstract

Language skills are essential in learning a foreign language, especially English, which requires innovative and contextual learning media. The main problems in this study are the low level of student involvement and the lack of culture-based learning media that support integrated language skills. This study aims to analyze the need for the development of Virtual Reality (VR) Tour media with a local cultural approach as an effort to improve the language skills of junior high school students. The study subjects were grade VIII students at junior high schools in the Brangsong area, Kendal, and English teachers. The research method used was a qualitative descriptive with a needs assessment approach. Data collection techniques included observation, interviews, and distributing questionnaires to students and teachers. The results showed that students were highly interested in using technology-based media such as VR in language learning, especially when combined with familiar local cultural elements. Teachers also recognized the importance of developing innovative media to support integrated listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. This study concludes that there is a significant need to create culture-based virtual reality tour media to improve junior high school students' language skills. Recommendations for further research are to design and develop a prototype of local culture-based VR media that can be tested on a limited basis to see its effectiveness in the context of English learning.