Virtual Reality Collaborative Platform for E-learning: Analysis of Student Engagement and Perceptions

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss the potential of using virtual reality collaborative platforms for e-learning to improve the quality of online education. First, we explore the characteristics of existing online platforms that can be used for e-learning. Second, we present a method for creating a Virtual Reality Collaborative Environment (VRCE) for e-learning using an online platform, namely FrameVR. Third, an experiment is conducted to investigate participants' behavioural and emotional engagement when using Zoom and the VRCE for online learning. Valid survey data from twenty-two participants are analysed. Then, participants are interviewed about their perceptions of using a VRCE for e-learning. The results of the experiment confirm that using a VRCE can increase student engagement, especially emotional engagement compared to Zoom. However, the findings also suggest that there is still room for improvement in the use of VRCE for elearning. Therefore, further suggestions are made on the drawbacks of VRCE to improve the user experience. This paper provides insight into incorporating VRCE to enhance the e-learning experience and contribute to the development of online education.

Analysis of the Digital Educational Scenario in Italian High Schools during the Pandemic: Challenges and Emerging Tools

“…Indeed, VR provides an immersive experience that induces in users a sense of realism, which improves the users' work efficiency and creativity [62]. Studies demonstrated that students are more engaged when using virtual reality collaborative tools than collaborative learning tools [63]. This is also due to the use of avatars that can help users to provide a sense of connectedness by promoting interaction with other avatars and presenting their opinion in virtual spaces [61,64].…”