Digital transformation of language education in higher education: the potential of immersive technologies

Abstract

This article examines the digital transformation of language education in the context of the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies. The authors substantiate the concept of an immersive foreign language learning environment as a virtually simulated system integrating augmented, virtual, and mixed reality technologies with traditional interactive learning methods. A decomposition of immersive technologies based on technical, functional, and methodological features is proposed. Based on a monitoring study conducted at SUSU (National Research University) in the 2025/2026 academic year with the participation of faculty and students, a positive attitude toward immersive technologies were revealed, although some limiting factors were noted. The author’s methodological solutions are presented, including communicative tasks covering all types of speech activity. The results of the study confirm the high didactic potential of immersive technologies, provided that organizational and pedagogical barriers are overcome. Prospects for further research are related to the development of methodological models and the training of teaching staff.