Beyond the Hype: AI Outperforms VR/AR and Gamification in Foreign Language Education
Aigerim Mendekenova, Zauresh Aukhadieva, Dinara Zhanikeyeva · Journal of Information Technology Education Innovations in Practice · 2025
Aim/Purpose: This study aims to identify the most effective digital technology for foreign language education by comparing artificial intelligence (AI), virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), and gamification, using a mixed-methods design and drawing systematic parallels with existing literature. Background: Although emerging technologies are often promoted for their pedagogical potential, there is limited evidence on whether teachers’ real-world experiences confirm or challenge these theoretical claims. Methodology: A convergent mixed-methods survey was conducted with 154 in-service English and foreign language teachers from 37 countries. Questionnaire data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, composite indices, and item-level measures, while qualitative responses were thematically coded. Both strands were integrated and compared with prior research to assess convergence or divergence between theory and practice. Contribution: The study provides an evidence-based comparison of teachers’ perceptions with theoretical expectations, clarifying which technologies deliver proven pedagogical value and which remain primarily motivational or experimental. Findings: AI was the most widely adopted (88.3%) and consistently rated highest for skill development, learner autonomy, and workload reduction. Gamification (72.1%) was valued for motivation and engagement, while VR/AR (16.9%) was praised for immersion yet limited by financial and infrastructural barriers. Open-ended responses reinforced these patterns and emphasized AI’s role as a “pedagogical assistant”. Recommendations for Practitioners: Teachers and institutions should prioritize AI adoption for scalable, adaptive, and feedback-rich instruction, while employing gamification and VR/AR as supplementary tools for motivation and immersion. Recommendation for Researchers: Future research should test AI’s long-term impact on competence development through experimental and longitudinal designs, and develop sustainable models for VR/AR integration. Impact on Society: Findings highlight AI as the most pedagogically effective and scalable technology, informing decisions on teacher training, institutional investment, and digital education policy. Future Research: Future research should address ethical concerns surrounding AI, such as plagiarism, over-reliance, and bias, and examine contextual factors that influence adoption across regions and levels of teaching experience.