Development of VR learning spaces considering lecture format in asynchronous e-learning

Abstract

E-learning has become more widespread with the progress of informatization. Active utilization of e-learning relaxes temporal and geographic restraints on learning, and furthermore allows visualization of learning status, because learning logs can be easily collected. Furthermore, learning effects are equivalent to or better than those of conventional learning methods, and further development is expected in the future. However, the lack of an in-person instructor and other students in e-learning can result in loneliness, causing learners to lose motivation and concentration and potentially leading to dropouts. We thus focus on asynchronous learning using lecture videos. By developing an e-learning system in which learners can feel the presence of instructors and other students like in conventional classes, learners can maintain motivation and avoid declines in concentration. This study aims to develop a lecture-style virtual reality-based learning system that displays instructors and other student avatars. We conduct an evaluation experiment to determine whether this system can maintain learner motivation. The results suggest that loneliness can be further reduced compared with conventional video lessons, that learning motivation is improved, and that the system can to some extent prevent decreases in concentration.