Anywhere Academy — Avatar-Based Collaborative Teaching and Learning in VR

Lecture notes in computer science, pp. 346–361

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a transformative technology in higher education, offering vast potential for immersive learning experiences and innovative pedagogical approaches. This paper presents Anywhere Academy , a new VR platform designed to leverage the benefits of virtual reality while addressing open challenges. It discusses the motivation for developing this platform despite existing alternatives. It compares current platforms against identified requirements derived from prominent concerns about using VR in higher education. This work explores technical key components and design choices informed by relevant literature and highlights the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in creating dynamic virtual environments for learners. It also presents Learning Experience Design (LXD), a novel approach to create effective educational interventions that consider the experience of learners as a whole, creating learning scenarios suited to learners’ needs. The development status of Anywhere Academy is presented alongside ethical considerations and future research opportunities.

Authors 5

1. Patrick Querl corresponding Aachen Academic and Research Department Engineering Hydrology and UNESCO Chair of Hydrological Change and Water Resources Management

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Academic and Research Department Engineering Hydrology and UNESCO Chair of Hydrological Change and Water Resources Management, RWTH Aachen University, Mies-van-der-Rohe Straße, 52074, Aachen, Germany

2. Raymond Leonardo Chandra Aachen Academic and Research Department Engineering Hydrology and UNESCO Chair of Hydrological Change and Water Resources Management

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Academic and Research Department Engineering Hydrology and UNESCO Chair of Hydrological Change and Water Resources Management, RWTH Aachen University, Mies-van-der-Rohe Straße, 52074, Aachen, Germany

3. Koen Castermans Aachen Academic and Research Department Engineering Hydrology and UNESCO Chair of Hydrological Change and Water Resources Management

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Academic and Research Department Engineering Hydrology and UNESCO Chair of Hydrological Change and Water Resources Management, RWTH Aachen University, Mies-van-der-Rohe Straße, 52074, Aachen, Germany

4. Djamel Berkaoui Aachen Academic and Research Department Engineering Hydrology and UNESCO Chair of Hydrological Change and Water Resources Management

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Academic and Research Department Engineering Hydrology and UNESCO Chair of Hydrological Change and Water Resources Management, RWTH Aachen University, Mies-van-der-Rohe Straße, 52074, Aachen, Germany

5. Heribert Nacken Aachen Academic and Research Department Engineering Hydrology and UNESCO Chair of Hydrological Change and Water Resources Management

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Academic and Research Department Engineering Hydrology and UNESCO Chair of Hydrological Change and Water Resources Management, RWTH Aachen University, Mies-van-der-Rohe Straße, 52074, Aachen, Germany