Transforming ESOL Education Through Award-Winning Immersive Learning

Ascentis and Metaverse Learning have joined forces to transform the field of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) with the creation of new immersive learning content, which has now won the Innovation Award at prestigious FAB Awards.

The FAB Awards recognise the contributions of awarding organisations and their employees over the past year to education and skills. The Innovation Award recognises the work that Ascentis and Metaverse Learning have done to create a new approach to learning in ESOL.

Phil Wilkinson, Ascentis CEO, said, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Metaverse Learning in creating award-winning innovative and immersive learning content for ESOL learners. By leveraging the power of Virtual Reality and virtual environments, we are revolutionising the way language skills are taught and practised. This collaboration enhances the learning experience and empowers learners to confidently use English in real-world scenarios. We are committed to making education accessible, impactful, and memorable for all.”

This partnership aims to revolutionise the ESOL learning experience by harnessing the power of Virtual Reality (VR) and virtual environments. It will provide learners with engaging, realistic scenarios to practise language skills in meaningful, context-rich ways. Together, these organisations are reimagining how language learning can be approached, making it accessible, impactful and memorable.

The collaboration between Ascentis and Metaverse Learning has resulted in a suite of learning scenarios designed specifically to meet the unique needs of ESOL learners. Through immersive environments, learners can practise language skills in a virtual world that mimics everyday settings. Whether navigating a simulated café, interacting in a workplace scenario, or conducting a healthcare appointment, students are placed in life-like situations where they can safely practise conversational and situational language skills.

By allowing for "learning by doing" within a controlled, supportive environment, learners can make mistakes and practise as many times as needed. VR technology creates authentic experiences that encourage active learning, enabling students to build confidence as they interact with their environment and engage in real-world simulations.

Why Immersive Learning is a Game-Changer for ESOL

One of the greatest challenges in ESOL education is creating opportunities for learners to use English in everyday contexts outside the classroom. Immersive learning bridges this gap by allowing learners to "experience" these situations first-hand within a virtual space. Through this method, learners gain practical language skills that they can directly apply in their lives, from securing employment to participating actively in their communities. Virtual environments provide an ideal space to practise language skills without the pressures or anxieties some learners may feel in real-life interactions.

Immersive learning can help overcome the social and cultural barriers that many ESOL learners face. Within virtual spaces, learners can repeat tasks and practise conversations at their own pace, which is particularly empowering for those who may lack confidence in real-world scenarios. In addition, the high level of interactivity within these virtual environments can support the retention of vocabulary and grammatical structures through repeated exposure and use, facilitating a more natural language acquisition process.

The initial response from both students and educators has been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers have noted improved engagement levels, with learners expressing greater motivation and enthusiasm for language practise. By providing high-quality, context-driven, and interactive content, Ascentis and Metaverse Learning are setting a new standard for ESOL education.

Collaborative Impact and Vision

Ascentis and Metaverse Learning’s collaboration is driven by a shared commitment to making learning accessible, inclusive and forward-thinking. This partnership leverages Metaverse Learning’s expertise in developing VR and virtual environments with Ascentis’ longstanding reputation in providing quality ESOL qualifications. Together, they are enhancing the educational experience for learners across the UK, creating opportunities for them to gain confidence in using English and, ultimately, empowering them to succeed in a globalised world.

Jason Holt CBE, CEO of Metaverse Learning, commented, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Ascentis and to be recognised with the Innovation of the Year award win. We’ve heard directly from learners about its positive impact on their experience, and we look forward to continuing to make a difference in their learning journey. As we continue to expand our immersive learning offerings, we look forward to witnessing the ongoing positive impact of this innovation on ESOL learners and their communities.”

 This partnership represents a step forward in rethinking the delivery of language education, utilising the latest in immersive technology to offer a dynamic and supportive learning environment.

Ascentis

Ascentis is an award-winning provider of cutting-edge qualifications for education, training, and business in the UK and overseas. Since 1975, we’ve been committed to delivering exceptional customer service and creating life-changing opportunities for all.

We have a portfolio of user-friendly qualifications that include Access to higher education diplomas, Community Interpretation, Construction, Digital Skills, Employability, English and maths Skills, ESOL, Education and training and Short Online Qualifications (SOQs).

Find out more at: www.ascentis.co.uk

Metaverse Learning

Metaverse Learning is a global leader in the transformation of education, learning and assessment through the use of Extended Reality (ER), including Virtual Reality (VR), Virtual Environments (VE) and Augmented Reality (AR).

We convene industry partners to co-create sector-specific learning content that develops learners' skills and propels them into their chosen careers.

Our programs are used by educators, trainers and employers across the globe as part of a blended learning approach. Programs are designed to increase learner confidence and engagement while improving attainment.

Find out more at www.metaverselearning.co.uk