The Effect of Virtual Reality-Based Learning Media on Writing Skills of Indonesian for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) Learners

Indonesian language learning for foreign speakers (BIPA) has been experiencing significant growth and increasing interest. The rising number of BIPA learners presents challenges in providing learning media that are engaging, contextual, and effective. Virtual Reality (VR) technology offers opportunities to deliver immersive and interactive learning experiences. This study aimed to develop and examine the effectiveness of VR-based Virtual Tour learning media in improving BIPA students’ descriptive writing skills. The research employed a Research and Development (R&D) approach using the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation). The media were designed with visual, audio, and interactive elements, and validated through expert judgment. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design was conducted with 30 BIPA students at Universitas Sebelas Maret. The experimental class used VR-based media, while the control class relied on conventional textbooks. Data were collected through performance tests, questionnaires, observations, and interviews. Findings revealed that the experimental class achieved a higher average score (M = 75.2) than the control class (M = 68). An independent t-test indicated a significant difference (t = 2.51; p < 0.05), with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.92). Students also reported increased motivation, engagement, and contextual understanding through the use of VR. These results suggest that VR-based Virtual Tour media effectively enhanced the writing skills and cultural understanding of BIPA learners. Immersive technologies should therefore be integrated into BIPA learning, with further research recommended to explore their effect on other language skills and long-term learning outcomes.