Using Virtual Reality to Assess Reading Fluency in Children

Abstract

Here we provide a proof-of-concept for the use of virtual reality (VR) goggles to assess reading behavior in beginning readers. Children performed a VR version of a lexical decision task that allowed us to record eye-movements. External validity was assessed by comparing the VR measures (lexical decision RT and accuracy, gaze durations and refixation probabilities) to a gold standard reading fluency test—the One-Minute Reading test. We found that the VR measures correlated strongly with the classic fluency measure. We argue that VR-based techniques provide a valid and child-friendly way to study reading behavior in a school environment. Importantly, they enable not only the collection of a richer dataset than standard behavioral assessments but also the possibility to tightly control the environment.

Readers Theater in Desktop VR: A Pilot Study with Grade Nine Students

“…Nevertheless, two studies that used VR as a means to assess reading fluency have been carried out. In one recent study, Mirlaut et al used VR glasses to assess beginner reading behavior and to measure their RF with the One-Minute Reading test [35]. While this study focused on native speakers, it showed that VR could be used as a legitimate tool for studying reading behavior in general terms [35].…”

“…In one recent study, Mirlaut et al used VR glasses to assess beginner reading behavior and to measure their RF with the One-Minute Reading test [35]. While this study focused on native speakers, it showed that VR could be used as a legitimate tool for studying reading behavior in general terms [35]. As part of a master's thesis, the impact of reading in VR on a group of dyslexic student's reading fluency was explored [36].…”