Training Hard Skills in Virtual Reality: Developing a Theoretical Framework for AI-Based Immersive Learning

Abstract

Advances in virtual reality (VR) technology afford creation of immersive virtual learning environments that simulate real-life learning contexts with increasing fidelity. When supported by sufficiently advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-based tutoring software, such environments may facilitate asynchronous, embodied learning approaches for learning hard, procedural skills in industrial settings - addressing timeliness, accuracy, and scalability issues common in the industry. This chapter reflects on the pedagogical setting of immersive virtual reality-based hard skills training guided by an AI tutor software agent. We examine the interfacing of traditional intelligent tutoring system (ITS) software with an immersive virtual environment. Further, we suggest the philosophies of embodied, embedded, enacted, and extended (4E) cognition as a way to fully consider learner epistemology in a virtual world and to account for and make full use of the unique opportunities afforded by the synthetic nature of the immersive virtual learning environment. To explore possibilities for improved pedagogical approaches, we project the 4E cognition approach into the abovementioned learning context and outline a theoretical framework for a VR-native AI tutor. We then propose VR-native pedagogical principles for such as framework that could inform follow-on research.