Enhancing social presence in online learning through metaverse platform

Abstract

The rapid growth of online learning has led to the exploration of various strategies for improving its effectiveness. One such strategy is the use of metaverse platforms, which are believed to enhance social communication and presence. This study aimed to investigate the impact of using GatherTown, a metaverse platform, on the social presence of online learning. The study involved a 2-week intervention with 148 students using GatherTown, and data were collected through a pre- and post-intervention questionnaire, as well as interviews with learners. The results indicate that the use of GatherTown positively influences the social presence of online learning. The learners reported higher levels of social presence after using GatherTown, which was attributed to the platform’s ability to facilitate social interaction and personalization of the learning environment. The interviews also revealed that the learners felt more engaged and connected to the learning community as a result of virtual space design. The results of this study shed light on the possible use of metaverse platforms to improve online learning.