Social Presence in Immersive 3D Virtual Learning Environments

To further the study of learning in the context of immersive virtual technologies, this systematic literature review addressed the following research questions: ‘How is self-efficacy being studied in immersive virtual learning environments?’ ‘What kinds of self-efficacy findings have been made in immersive virtual learning environments?’ The peer-reviewed book chapters and journal articles included in this study were published in English between January 2014 and January 2020. A narrative synthesis was created for understanding the various aspects of the topic. During the process, the scarcity of experimental research on self-efficacy in immersive virtual learning environments was revealed. The results bring to light the mixed self-efficacy findings in the context of immersive virtual learning and underline the importance of ensuring the quality of the experimental designs in future research. The study of self-efficacy in this context is suggested to benefit from increased attention to the questions of methodology and measurement. To further the goals of immersive virtual learning research, extending the participant base of the experiments by engaging in working life collaboration is strongly recommended.

3D multi-user virtual environments (MUVE) bring new opportunities to foreign language teaching and learning as a platform for teaching practices. Due to immersive and interactive nature of 3D MUVE, these tools have gained popularity in the field of foreign language learning and teaching. The power of virtual learning environments lies in creating immersive 3-D spaces that give users a sense of learning by doing. Moreover, the environment is interactive and is much the same as real world interaction. MUVE provides strong support for synchronous collaborations, interactions, and immersive environments for experiential and constructivist learning settings. Some key features of the virtual worlds comprise the ability to construct 3D environments that simulate real world situations, as well as the ability to have a virtual identity to create a cross-cultural self and the ability to have participants from around the world acting virtually in designated roles that convey new types of learning within this environment.

This theoretical article proposes an interdisciplinary teaching strategy for Social Sciences in Primary Education, aimed at transforming traditional pedagogical practices. It integrates critical pedagogy, the competency-based approach, and immersive technologies such as virtual reality and metaverse.Methods:A qualitative, exploratory and propositional approach was adopted. A document-based literature review was conducted using recent studies on immersive learning, interdisciplinary pedagogy, and digital education. The data were analyzed through a comparative and integrative synthesis to design the strategy and assess its alignment with contemporary pedagogical demands.Results:Four key dimensions emerged: (1) the conception of an interdisciplinary teaching strategy; (2) the identification of guiding pedagogical principles; (3) the articulation between critical pedagogy and the competency-based approach; and (4) the projection of the strategy toward immersive virtual learning environments. These elements form a pedagogical model capable of promoting critical thinking, social responsibility, and meaningful learning experiences.Conclusions:The proposed strategy offers a relevant and adaptable pedagogical framework that aligns with 21st-century educational challenges. Although empirical validation has not yet been performed, this theoretical foundation may guide future pilot implementations, expert evaluations, and the development of digital instructional designs.

The author investigated the interaction effect of immersive virtual reality (VR) in the classroom. The objective of the project was to develop and provide a low-cost, scalable, and portable VR system containing purposely designed and developed immersive virtual learning environments for the US Army. The purpose of the mixed design experiment was to compare lecture-based and immersive VR-based multimedia instruction, in terms of declarative knowledge acquisition (i.e. learning) of basic corrosion prevention and control with military personnel. Participants were randomly assigned to the control group (N = 115) or investigational group (N = 25) and tested immediately before and after training. The author accessed learning outcomes from the pre-exam and post-exam scores and VR system usability from exit questionnaires. Results indicate that both forms of instruction will increase learning. VR-based did produce higher gain scores and there was a statistically significant interaction between instruction type and time.

Ways of (Virtual) Seeing: Applying a Bergerian Lens in a Multi-User Virtual Environment (MUVE)

Although research on three-dimensional virtual environments abounds, little is known about the social and business aspects of virtual worlds. Given the emergence of large-scale social virtual worlds, such as Second Life, and the dramatic growth in sales of virtual goods, it is important to understand the dynamics that govern the purchase of virtual goods in virtual worlds. Employing the stimulus–organism–response (S-O-R) framework, we investigate how technological (interactivity and sociability) and spatial (density and stability) environments in virtual worlds influence the participants’ virtual experiences (telepresence, social presence, and flow), and how experiences subsequently affect their response (intention to purchase virtual goods). The results of our survey of 354 Second Life residents indicate that interactivity, which enhances the interaction with objects, has a significant positive impact on telepresence and flow. Also, sociability, which fosters interactions with participants, is significantly associated with social presence, although no such significant impact was observed on flow. Furthermore, both density and stability are found to significantly influence participants’ virtual experiences; stability helps users to develop strong social bonds, thereby increasing both social presence and flow. However, contrary to our prediction of curvilinear patterns, density is linearly associated with flow and social presence. Interestingly, the results exhibit two opposing effects of density: while it reduces the extent of flow, density increases the amount of social presence. Since social presence is found to increase flow, the net impact of density on flow depends heavily on the relative strength of the associations involving these three constructs. Finally, we find that flow mediates the impacts of technological and spatial environments on intention to purchase virtual products. We conclude the paper with a discussion of the theoretical and practical contributions of our findings.

e-Learning platforms have revolutionized education, but they lack the immersive and engaging experience that truly ignites passion for learning. VR-based teaching environments are a transformative technology poised to redefine education. By immersing students in simulated worlds, VR fosters active participation, leading to deeper understanding and stronger retention compared to traditional methods. It transcends geographical barriers, making quality education accessible to all, regardless of location. This chapter delves into the development of a virtual reality (VR)-based learning environment, exploring its potential to revolutionize education. Traditional learning methods often lack engaging and immersive experiences, hindering student motivation and knowledge retention. This chapter addresses these limitations by leveraging the power of VR to create a dynamic and interactive learning space. The tool described meticulously crafted the fundamental assets for the virtual classroom environment. Utilizing Blender, a powerful 3D modelling software, essential components like tables, chairs, boards, and instruments were meticulously designed to ensure a realistic rendering experience. The Unity engine, a renowned game development tool, served as the canvas upon which the classroom environment was constructed, building upon the previously developed assets which have been meticulously assembled in the virtual space, creating a realistic and immersive representation of a traditional classroom. This allows students to interact with each other in real time, fostering communication skills and collaborative learning.

Virtual Reality (VR) has been showing potential in new and diverse areas, notably in education. However, there is a lack of studies in the Foreign Language Teaching and Learning field, particularly in listening comprehension. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of avatar animations and lip synchronization, and user interaction; features deemed relevant in this broader area. A sociodemographic, a quick CEFR - Common European Framework of Reference for Languages - 15-minute English test, and questionnaire were used to evaluate the participants' Presence, Quality of Experience, Cybersickness and Knowledge Retention. Results show that, overall, the use of avatars with realistic animations and movements, and featuring lip synchronization have a positive influence on the users' sense of presence, knowledge retention and a more enjoyable overall quality of experience. The same can be said for the use of object interaction and navigation in the cultural representative environment, which had an overall positive impact.

Introduction: Immersive online technologies, such as virtual world (VW) platforms, can increase patient engagement in DSME/S. The Women in Control 2.0 (WIC2) trial compared DSME/S delivered in a VW vs. in-person for minority women with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (HbA1c ≥8.0). We hypothesize the sense of presence afforded by a VW platform fosters patient engagement. Presence in a virtual reality setting is defined as a feeling of being immersed in an environment despite its artificiality. Methods: We used a triangulation mixed-methods design embedded within the WIC2 clinical trial. For the 145 participants randomized to the VW study arm, we measured participant experience of physical, self and social “presence” in the VW using the validated Multimodal Presence Scale (MPS) and 63 participated in qualitative interviews. We analyzed participant experiences in the VW with qualitative data collected via direct observation, focus group, and key informant interviews. We calculated the MPS scores and conducted a qualitative thematic analysis of transcripts. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected independently and integrated using a conceptual mapping process to correlate participants’ experience of DSME/S in the VW. Results: Half of participants were over 56yo and had a mean baseline HbA1c of 9.9% (SD=1.75). Two-thirds of the VW participants reported a sense of social (63.7%) and physical (63.1%) presence, while half-experienced self (49.0%) presence in the VW. Data integration led to three themes related to “presence” in a VW: (1) Self-presence fosters user identification with the personalized avatar (2) Physical presence fosters a growth mindset through imaginative play and visualization, and (3) social presence fosters peer social support. Conclusion: Patient engagement in DSME/S is enhanced by the sense of physical, social and self- presence experienced by learners when using immersive technology software in a peer group context. Disclosure S. Mitchell: Other Relationship; Self; See Yourself Health LLC, Speaker's Bureau; Self; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. A. Bragg: None. M. Winter: None. P. Gardiner: None. J. M. Howard: None. L. D. Laird: None. Funding National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R01DK10653)

Immersive virtual learning environments can be used to teach a wide range of competences. Usually the learners are alonein such learning worlds. For help, they then necessarily turn to their class teacher. An alternative is the use of a smart

The purpose of this chapter is to develop a template for the evaluation of learning in an educational game. In this case, gaming is referred to as 3D immersive virtual learning environments. Problem-based learning is the design template for the IVLE as it engages learners in defined learning behaviors that have been shown to encourage advanced problem-based learning. As a result of this holistic design procedure the learning analytic system proposed in this chapter is an integrated system that can be linked to P-12 educational programs augmenting their traditional programs and providing alternative instructional procedures, alternative learning processes for students and a standards-based but a more individualistic and thus viable assessment of learning to replace an outdated learning assessment model.

The Industrial Revolution 4.0 is reshaping social studies to address real-life problems and foster critical thinking skills. Problem-Based Learning (PBL) focuses on resolving actual issues, while Virtual Reality (VR) provides an immersive virtual learning environment within the classroom. This study investigates the effect of VR-assisted PBL, specifically the “Museum Sumpah Pemuda”, on critical thinking tendencies and learning motivation in social studies education. Utilizing a quasi-experimental approach with a pretest and posttest design, the study population consisted of 75 eighth-grade students aged 13-15 years, divided into three classes. Cluster random sampling was applied to select the control class (VIIIB) and the experimental class (VIIIC), each comprising 25 students. The research utilized a critical thinking self-assessment questionnaire developed by Masured Reasons LLC, featuring 20 questions, alongside Facione & Gittens's critical thinking indicators. Additionally, the learning motivation questionnaire was based on criteria from Hamzah B. Uno and included 24 questions. Results from the MANOVA hypothesis test (p<0.05) indicate a significant effect of VR-assisted PBL “Museum Sumpah Pemuda”, on both critical thinking tendencies and learning motivation in social studies learning. These findings suggest that VR-assisted PBL not only cultivates 21st-century skills but also resonates with students' experiences in the technology-driven era of 4.0. Keywords: Problem Based Learning, Virtual Reality, Critical Thinking, Learning Motivation, Social Studies

Examining the Learner’s Cognitive Load in Response to Different Learning Material in High and Low Immersive Virtual Learning Environments—An Eye-Tracking Study

This brief article reports on the use of virtual reality and its effectiveness on improving and maintaining learners' intrinsic motivation or interest. Research suggests that interest contributes to learning. Therefore a study of the impact of interests is essential to an understanding of intrinsic motivation. Since the virtual environment provides a sense of presence, it may be possible to create scenarios to stimulate the learners' curiosity and interest. Eighteen students, 11 males and 7 females, between 21 and 32 years old, served as subjects for the study. The experiment consisted of the physical world environment using wooden blocks, and the virtual world using virtual blocks. Both worlds used color and shape as variables. The two variables consisted of three shapes (sphere, pyramid, and cube), and three colors (red, green, and blue). In both worlds, the wooden blocks and virtual blocks had to be manipulated and arranged in nine different patterns. The first experiment started with a two-block pattern. At each step the difficulty was increased by increasing the number of blocks. The subject's score was based on a ten-point scale instrument administered at the end of each experiment. The scores ranged from very weak to very strong. The results were used to identify a significant difference between the subjects' performance in the virtual world and in physical world with respect to curiosity, interest, and sense of control. The interest level comparison indicated that for all subjects scores in the virtual world were always higher than the scores in the physical world. The sense of control level comparison indicated that in the beginning scores in the virtualworld were not always higher than the scores in the physical world. However, after orientation to navigation through the virtual environment, the mean score gradually rose. This research demonstrates that the virtual world is more useful than the physical world (with respect of color and shape) in increasing the memory span of the learner.

Online learning always piques the interest of scholars because of the potential outcomes. Social presence is associated with the degree of participation, interaction, and performance among collaborative group members and, therefore, is considered a critical variable for learning. Researchers have observed that for online learning to work well, students must feel connected to their peers and teachers. Social presence connects the real and online worlds, putting an online learner in touch with the teacher and other online learners. This study aims to investigate the interrelationships between social presence dimensions and cognitive presence, explore the critical social presence dimension influencing cognitive presence, and explore students’ experiences of social presence in online learning. The findings showed that social presence greatly influenced cognitive presence. However, affective collectiveness, open communication, and a sense of community were correlated and positively impacted cognitive presence, while the mutual attention and support dimensions were not correlated and did not significantly contribute to cognitive presence. Besides, students perceived themselves as having difficulties with open communication and online group activities. It is suggested that silence is an integral part of social presence, and it can be a silence-mediated social presence. Therefore, the role of silence should be reconsidered, as it has its own meaning. The findings imply that fostering a sense of mutual support and understanding is essential in online learning, as is providing practical guidance to ensure open communication. Moreover, instructors should focus on creating a sense of connectedness and cohesiveness in collaborative learning to achieve meaningful learning outcomes and a strong sense of community among students.