Effects of avatar character performances in virtual reality dramas used for teachers' education. Issue 7 (3rd July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Pyoung Won; Shin, Yang Sook; Ha, Byoung Hoon; Anisetti, Marco
• Is Part Of: Behaviour & information technology. Volume 36:Issue 7(2017)
• Page Start: 699
• Page End: 712
• Publication Date: 2017-07-03
• Subjects: Virtual reality -- virtual reality drama -- video shot size -- electrocardiogram (ECG) -- bio-signal feedback -- teacher education; Electronic data processing -- Periodicals; Human engineering -- Periodicals; Information technology -- Periodicals; 303.4833
• DOI: 10.1080/0144929X.2016.1275809
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0144-929X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Virtual reality drama has the benefit of enhancing immersion, which was lacking in original e-Learning systems. Moreover, dangerous and expensive educational content can be replaced by stimulating users' interest. In this study, we investigate the effects of avatar performance in virtual reality drama. The hypothesis that the psychical distance between virtual characters and their viewers changes according to the size of video shots is tested with an autonomic nervous system function test. Eighty-four college students were randomly assigned to three groups. Virtual reality drama is used to train teachers concerning school bullying prevention, and deals with the dialogue between teachers and students. Group 1 was provided with full-shot video clips, Group 2 was shown various clips from full shots to extreme close-ups, and Group 3 was provided with close-up shots. We found that the virtual reality drama viewers' levels of stimulation changed in relation to the size of the shots. The R-R (between P wave and P wave) intervals of the electrocardiograms (ECGs, bio-signal feedback) became significantly narrower as the shot size became smaller.