If you are interested in virtual reality, you might have seen images and videos of cartoonish virtual worlds and avatars shared online. It is a way – even though not perfect – of sharing the virtual world and experiences with others outside of VR. For educators and learners this opens up a whole new set of possibilities for learning activities that are very valuable. But how do you record videos in VR? And what else do you need to know?
Key insights
It is possible to make video recordings in virtual reality.
Recordings of VR sessions can be used to review lessons, extend lessons into projects, and make VR part of a blended course.
Beware of privacy and copyright issues, though.
How does recording in VR work?
Some VR headsets have a recording function built in. With desktopVR, the computer‘s own recording tools can be used. Some VR platforms have their own camera function built in, which might offer better options and functionality.
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Recording through the VR headset shows everything in first-person view but leads to very ‘shaky’ videos because of the head movement of the person who is wearing the headset. Even if you think you are not moving your head much, it is always surprising how wobbly the videos turn out.
You could have one person recording who is not involved in the activity to reduce wobble. If the VR platform has a desktop version, a student or teacher could record using this while a group is role-playing.
If multiple students record with or without the headset, they can, as part of a project, cut and paste the best clips together using video editing software for a final version.
Remember that video files in particular take up a lot of storage space. If you are recording through your VR headset, image and video files are stored on the headset. So make sure to sync them to your phone, tablet or computer, and then delete them from your headset to make room for apps and new recordings.
Try out recording, and make sure it is recording audio as well, before you record an important session.
Beware of privacy and copyright issues
As a user of a VR platform, make sure you read the Terms of Service before you record anything to find out if there are any copyright clauses or other limitations for what you can do with any recordings.
If you want to record other users, ask for permission first, particularly if their voices are recorded or their real names can be seen, and you want to share videos publicly online.
How recording in VR helps language learning?
Video recordings of VR sessions can help teachers provide better, non-intrusive and more detailed feedback on their students‘ performance. It gives students an opportunity to review the lesson and watch and listen to themselves. This can help them notice mistakes and self-correct. Students can also provide peer feedback using the recordings.
Recording videos in virtual worlds provides a lot of opportunities for creative, collaborative project work that can be taken outside of VR. Project work gives students agency and can be very motivating and fun. It also allows us to integrate different language skills and language practice. And it allows learners agency and choice.
Example
After a lesson on holiday places and activities, students record video clips of a hotel, beach, forest, zoo, or other interesting places and sites in the VR environment. Outside of VR, groups of students collaboratively create a video for a social media marketing campaign for a fictitious hotel resort or resort town.
Put your knowledge into action!
Language educator
Look at your lesson plans and think how you could extend them into small projects using the screenshot and recording functions of the VR platform.
Language learner
Find a social VR (multi-user) platform that allows you customise your avatars and the environment, and create and interact with objects. Role-play a situation (e.g. ordering food, introducing yourself to somebody, or doing a job interview). Record yourself, then watch it. Make notes where you did well and what you could improve. Do it again!
Edtech company
Think about how you could make taking images and video recording easier on your platform. It should be so intuitive and easy that teachers and learners can do it with just one push of a button, gesture or glance, without interrupting the flow of the lesson or activity.
This blog post has developed into nearly 1300 words on 3.5 pages and is one of the entries in our new book The A–Z of Immersive Language Learning and Teaching in Virtual Reality.
Explore how, why, and when virtual reality and other emerging technologies such as generative AI can support and enhance language learning with The A-Z of Immersive Language Learning and Teaching in Virtual Reality.
This book is essential reading for language educators, curriculum writers, learning experience designers, and EdTech companies seeking to integrate technology with pedagogy and content for best learning outcomes. It will help you gain the knowledge you need to think, plan, and implement immersive learning experiences effectively with VR. By Nergiz Kern and Miranda Novash (2025). More information.