Immersive Experience Research Articles

Digital replicas and democracy: issues raised by the Hollywood actors’ strike

Recent years have seen artificial intelligence (AI) technologies from large companies increasingly privatize people’s data, creating asymmetrical and undemocratic economic relations. Specifically, generative AI disseminates false information, distorts perceptions, and transforms the free and critical cultural public sphere into one that is privatized and undemocratic. This study examines the major Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists strike in Hollywood in May 2023, focusing on the issues raised against actors’ digital replicas from a democratic perspective. The introduction of this technology, aiming to enhance the audience’s immersive experience, reinforces the cultural imperialistic and neoliberal hierarchical relation between companies and actors. Moreover, this study explains how digital replicas relegate actors to a subjugated state, damage their image, and demote them to the periphery of filmmaking, thereby resulting in undemocratic problems that deprive them of their subjectivity and creativity. The main findings are as follows: (1) Actors’ data, embedded in the data capitalism structure, are used to generate their digital replicas, thus causing economic and structural inequalities. Video companies’ monopolization and unapproved use of such data lead to the loss of these actors’ freedom and humanity. (2) Unauthorized digital replicas of actors through deepfakes globally damage their public image and social authority, and such false body representation has negative cultural and ontological effects on them. (3) The use of digital replicas excludes actors from the filmmaking process, eliminating their interaction and creativity in relation to other creators and audiences and preventing their participation in the critical and cultural public sphere of cinema. As humans and generative AI continue to coexist, using digital replicas with actors’ legal consent is important as it ensures their independence and expressive potential. This will develop a democratic film industry that enhances the interactive cinema–media cultural public sphere.

Students’ experiences of placements in urban indigenous health contexts: developing a culturally responsive workforce

BackgroundA culturally responsive health workforce is essential to ensure the delivery of culturally safe health services that meet Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples needs. In partnership with universities, placement providers play an essential role in creating opportunities for immersive experiences that enable students to develop their cultural responsiveness. This study evaluated students’ experiences of an innovative student placement model embedded within an urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Health Organisation.MethodsStudents completed pre and post placement surveys administered using a web-based interface. The surveys involved five-point Likert and open-ended response items exploring students’ perceptions of their knowledge, skills development, awareness and self-development, and overall placement experience. Frequencies were calculated for the variables of interest and compared between pre and post surveys. The sign test for matched pairs was used to calculate differences between pre and post surveys, and a one-sided hypothesis test was utilised to determine if the level of agreement increased from pre to post survey. Qualitative data obtained for seven questions were thematically analysed using Groundwater Method, an Indigenous data analysis technique.ResultsBetween January 1, 2017, and June 30, 2019, 938 students from 32 disciplines were placed within the organisation and its Member services. Survey responses were received from 338 participants pre-placement, and 158 participants post-placement. The matched pre-post group contained 81 students. The results indicate significant positive changes in cultural responsiveness, skills development, awareness, and self-development when comparing pre- and post-placement responses. Students’ overall satisfaction with the quality of their placement was positively associated with their intention to work in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health contexts in the future. Key pre-placement themes included competence, cultural skills, support and fear, and key post-placement themes included expertise, cultural responsiveness, learning environment and challenges.ConclusionsIndigenous-led, regionally coordinated placements in urban Indigenous health contexts can support transformative learning and the development of a culturally responsive workforce. Universities should aim to develop reciprocal relationships with Indigenous-led organisations to support students to develop their cultural responsiveness and improve the provision of culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Future research should explore the longer-term impacts of student placements on cultural responsiveness, attitudes, values, and behaviours, as well as the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples interfacing with university students on placement in urban settings.NoteWe will predominantly use the term ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’, as opposed to ‘Indigenous’ or ‘First Nations’. When the term ‘Indigenous’ is used, it largely relates to government policy - except when referring to Indigenisation of curriculum and Indigenous Knowledges - and where ‘First Nations’ is used, it is in a global context. In addition, we use the term ‘Peoples’ to signify that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are not one People or Nation, but a collective of Peoples and Nations.

Leveraging technology and artificial intelligence to revolutionize French language proficiency: A comprehensive framework for modern curriculum design

The integration of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in language education has the potential to revolutionize how French is taught and learned in the modern era. This paper explores a comprehensive framework for modernizing the French language curriculum, emphasizing the transformative role of AI-driven tools in enhancing learner engagement, accessibility, and fluency. It examines advancements such as adaptive learning systems, AI-powered tutors, speech recognition, and gamification, highlighting their ability to personalize instruction and foster immersive learning experiences. Key features of a technology-driven curriculum, including alignment with CEFR standards and inclusivity for diverse learners, are discussed. The paper also addresses challenges such as cost, infrastructure limitations, and ethical concerns related to data privacy and the role of human educators. Recommendations focus on teacher training, infrastructure investment, and collaborative policy development to ensure the successful implementation of AI-enhanced curricula. By leveraging AI's potential while maintaining ethical standards, this approach aims to make French language education more efficient, interactive, and inclusive, meeting the demands of a globalized world. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, French Language Education, Technology-Driven Curriculum, Adaptive Learning Systems, Immersive Learning, Educational Innovation.

MouseGoggles: an immersive virtual reality headset for mouse neuroscience and behavior.

Small-animal virtual reality (VR) systems have become invaluable tools in neuroscience for studying complex behavior during head-fixed neural recording, but they lag behind commercial human VR systems in terms of miniaturization, immersivity and advanced features such as eye tracking. Here we present MouseGoggles, a miniature VR headset for head-fixed mice that delivers independent, binocular visual stimulation over a wide field of view while enabling eye tracking and pupillometry in VR. Neural recordings in the visual cortex validate the quality of image presentation, while hippocampal recordings, associative reward learning and innate fear responses to virtual looming stimuli demonstrate an immersive VR experience. Our open-source system's simplicity and compact size will enable the broader adoption of VR methods in neuroscience.

Living an Immersion Experience: Are First-Person Narratives Always Effective for Potential Travelers?

ABSTRACT Video blogs (or vlogs), which are gradually becoming the mainstream way for young people to record their travels during the COVID-19 pandemic, are convenient for introducing a travel destination through a selfie or a first-perspective long shot. This study investigates how narrative perspectives influence advertising effects, and explores the moderating effect of tourists’ affective risk perceptions. Two experimental studies were conducted to test the proposed hypotheses. Study 1 investigates the relationship between narrative perspectives, media types, and advertising effects. The results show that the media type acts as a moderating variable, affecting the advertising effects produced by different narrative perspectives. Study 2 indicates that affective risk perceptions have a mediating effect between narrative perspectives and advertising effects, and epidemic prevention measures have a moderating effect between narrative perspectives and affective risk perceptions. The research findings provide theoretical and managerial implications for online marketing of tourism in the context of the pandemic.

A Review on Benefits of Homestay Tourism in Nepal

Homestay tourism in Nepal has become a prominent and sustainable model, offering a range of socio-economic, cultural, and environmental benefits. This review explores how homestays contribute to these areas, highlighting examples from across the country. Since the introduction of homestays in Sirubari in 1997, the model has expanded to over 200 homestays across 60 districts. Google Scholar, Web of Science, Research gate, JSTOR, and Scopus using keywords like “homestay tourism in Nepal” and “benefits of homestay tourism.” Relevant peerreviewed articles, reports, and literature published between 2010 and 2024 were included. Homestays in various regions provide tourists with immersive experiences in ethnic cultures, including traditional festivals and local crafts, which help preserve cultural heritage and build community pride. Economically, these homestays generate essential income for local families, improve access to education and healthcare, and boost local businesses through increased demand for goods and services. Environmentally, homestays adopt sustainable practices such as waste reduction and solar energy use, with tourism revenue supporting conservation projects like reforestation and wildlife protection. By aligning with global trends toward responsible tourism, homestays reduce ecological impact and foster meaningful interactions between tourists and hosts. The review recommends implementing comprehensive training programs for homestay operators to enhance sustainable practices and maximize benefits, ensuring the long-term success and positive impact of homestay tourism in Nepal.

Prototype of Manipulative Basic Movement Learning Model Based on Augmented Reality

In the increasingly advanced digital era, technology has penetrated various aspects of life, including the field of education. One technological innovation that has great potential to improve the quality of learning is Augmented Reality (AR). AR enables the combination of the real world with digital elements, providing a more interactive and immersive learning experience. In the context of physical education, especially in learning basic manipulative movements, the application of AR can be a solution to overcome various obstacles faced so far, such as limited facilities, difficulties in visualizing movements, and lack of practical interaction. This research aims to develop a model for learning basic manipulative movements based on augmented reality and develop it into a guide for students and sports teachers in teaching basic movements. The resulting product is a basic manipulative learning model based on augmented reality, a guidebook for application use. This research was developed by adapting the Borg & Gall model of educational research and development. The development procedures used include the stages of analyzing the content of the product being developed, developing the initial game product, expert validation, field trials, product revision. The data analysis technique used in this research is in two ways, namely quantitative and qualitative. The results of the research show that the augmented reality-based basic manipulative movement learning model can assess elementary school students' abilities, the application developed by researchers is also easy to use by PJOK teachers in assessing the augmented reality-based basic manipulative movement learning model which can be carried anywhere by PJOK teachers. portable. Implications This research can provide guidance for educational software developers to create AR applications that are more relevant and useful in learning contexts.

The Application of Augmented Reality in Simulation-Based Design Evaluations of Trauma Rooms.

This study examined the augmented reality (AR) application in design evaluations through an immersive experience of medical task simulations in combination with a full-scale physical mock-up of a trauma room. Augmented reality technology is emerging in various fields including architectural design. Traditionally, building physical mock-ups has been the most effective tool to involve end-users in design evaluations. However, AR can eliminate cost- and labor-intensive components of a physical mock-up by replacing them with holograms. Two simulation sessions with emergency department clinicians were conducted using AR. The research team collected user feedback through simulations and interviews. Clinicians' feedback was systematically categorized and summarized according to various design elements. The integration of mock-up and AR simulations enabled the evaluation of design elements that were previously unattainable. Examples include simulating color-coded floor boundaries and adjusting door widths, which enhanced clinicians' immersion and involvement in design changes. Interviews and analyses of video recordings captured from the clinicians' perspectives supported the design evaluations during simulations. Augmented reality has great potential to be used widely in the evaluation of healthcare environment design. Augmented reality is an innovative approach that can benefit end-users in interacting with a mix of real spaces and virtual components. It also introduces new ways of data collection and analysis to architectural design evaluation methods.

Exploring the Mediating Role of User Engagement in the Relationship Between Immersive Experiences and User Satisfaction in Virtual Reality Gaming

This study aims to investigate the influence of virtual reality (VR) on immersive experiences, user satisfaction, and engagement, focusing on the emotional and cognitive dimensions that enhance the overall gaming experience. Conducted at VR Land Carthage in Tunisia (https://tunis.carthageland. com/fr/vr-land/), a platform offering immersive VR gaming, the research utilized both online and offline surveys, yielding 254 valid responses. Data were analyzed using Smart Partial Least Squares (PLS) 3, facilitating a comprehensive examination of the relationships among immersive experiences, user engagement, and satisfaction in VR gaming. The findings indicate a strong positive relationship between immersive VR experiences and user satisfaction, with user engagement acting as a mediator. Immersion significantly enhances the gaming experience; players emotionally connected to the game report higher satisfaction and increased likelihood of return. The study highlights the importance of interactive elements in fostering deep engagement. Limitations include a sample size constrained by time and accessibility, potentially affecting the generalizability of the findings beyond the Tunisian context. Practically, the research underscores the need for developers to enhance immersion through interactive features, such as social connectivity and adaptive storytelling, to boost player involvement and satisfaction, ultimately contributing to retention and success in the competitive VR gaming market. This research addresses a gap in empirical studies on user engagement and satisfaction in specific gaming environments, offering valuable insights for developers and researchers in understanding how immersive experiences drive engagement in VR gaming.

Augmented Reality in Smart Learning Devices: Advancing Cognitive Development and Entertainment

The integration of Augmented Reality (AR) in smart learning devices is transforming the way children engage with educational content. These devices merge physical and digital environments to create interactive, immersive learning experiences, enhancing cognitive development and providing entertainment. This paper explores the current applications of AR in educational devices for children, its impacts on cognitive growth, the role of interactivity, and its potential in future learning environments. The paper also provides a critical review of existing literature, identifying opportunities and challenges in this emerging field. Augmented Reality (AR) has revolutionized how children interact with educational content, offering an immersive, engaging learning experience. This paper explores the integration of AR into smart learning devices and its impact on cognitive development and entertainment for children. We delve into how AR enhances memory retention, problem solving skills, and spatial reasoning while making learning enjoyable. By critically analysing current literature and case studies, we highlight the potential and challenges of using AR to bridge the gap between education and entertainment.

Use of immersive virtual reality in environmental education: effects on environmental empathy, skill transfer, and attitudes

ABSTRACT Immersive virtual reality (IVR) provides sensory stimulation and immersive learning experiences, which offers a unique opportunity for individuals who are limited by geographical or social constraints to engage in environmental education. This study explores the potential of IVR for enhancing environmental empathy and facilitating environmental skill transfer and examines the correlations between enhanced environmental empathy and environmental attitudes. Herein, 50 sixth-grade students from primary schools were recruited and equally assigned to either the IVR group or the traditional learning media (TLM) group. Students in the IVR group used head-mounted devices and handle controllers to explore a self-developed, theme-related virtual reality program. Students in the TLM group used PowerPoint presentations and an educational video approved by an experienced teacher. The study found that: (1) environmental empathy improved significantly in both the TLM and IVR groups; (2) environmental empathy and environmental skill transfer of students in the IVR group were significantly higher than those in the TLM group; and (3) with IVR, environmental knowledge level and environmental empathy had the greatest impact on environmental attitudes. These findings provide insights on how IVR positively impact educational outcomes related to environmental awareness in K–12 settings.

Assessing the influence of immersive virtual reality on microbiology education: contrasting low and high immersion levels with signalling principle

ABSTRACT Virtual reality is revolutionising science education, particularly in microbiology, by allowing students to explore intricate structures as if they were the size of a bacterium. This study investigates the impact of different levels of immersion and signalling principles on students’ presence, interest, and engagement in VR learning environments. Results indicate that in low-immersive virtual reality (LiVR), the use of the signalling principle (SP) significantly enhances presence, interest, and engagement compared to the non-signalling principle (NSP). However, in High Immersive Virtual Reality (HiVR), there were no significant differences in presence or interest between SP and NSP groups, although HiVR resulted in significantly higher engagement than LiVR. These findings suggest that while signalling principles enhance learner experiences in lower immersive settings, their impact diminishes in higher immersive contexts. This study underscores the importance of considering immersion levels and instructional design principles in creating effective VR learning environments, especially for complex subjects like microbiology. The insights gained highlight the transformative potential of VR in education, providing immersive, interactive, and impactful learning experiences that deepen students’ understanding and engagement.

Virtual Environment in Engineering Education: The Role of Guidance, Knowledge and Skills Development in Electronic Circuits Teaching

Information and Communication Technologies can create effective learning experiences and might enhance students’ knowledge and skills. In particular, virtual technologies are emerging as a transformative tool in education, in areas such as electronic circuits. Studies have shown that virtual environments in electronic circuit education could provide students with immersive learning experiences, facilitating the practical application of circuit theory in a cost-effective and safe manner. Yet, this field, and especially the operational amplifiers, is limitedly explored regarding the most efficient approach to knowledge and skills development along with the role of teacher’s guidance. Therefore, this paper investigates the impact of a virtual environment on 138 engineering students’ outcomes using a pre-/post-test design. For the data analysis, among other methods, t-tests, ANCOVA, and repeated measures ANOVA were employed. Based on our results, the virtual setting can affect positively the students’ knowledge and improve their skills, revealing a correlation between these two aspects. Regarding the impact of guidance, our analysis showed that although students who received guidance generally performed better than those who did not, the differences were not statistically significant. Thus, this paper aims to serve as a useful guideline for educators and researchers willing to explore the circuit field utilizing virtual tools.

HoloGaussian Digital Twin: Reconstructing 3D Scenes with Gaussian Splatting for Tabletop Hologram Visualization of Real Environments

Several studies have explored the use of hologram technology in architecture and urban design, demonstrating its feasibility. Holograms can represent 3D spatial data and offer an immersive experience, potentially replacing traditional methods such as physical 3D and offering a promising alternative to mixed-reality display technologies. Holograms can visualize realistic scenes such as buildings, cityscapes, and landscapes using the novel view synthesis technique. This study examines the suitability of spatial data collected through the Gaussian splatting method for tabletop hologram visualization. Recent advancements in Gaussian splatting algorithms allow for real-time spatial data collection of a higher quality compared to photogrammetry and neural radiance fields. Both hologram visualization and Gaussian splatting share similarities in that they recreate 3D scenes without the need for mesh reconstruction. In this research, unmanned aerial vehicle-acquired primary image data were processed for 3D reconstruction using Gaussian splatting techniques and subsequently visualized through holographic displays. Two experimental environments were used, namely, a building and a university campus. As a result, 3D Gaussian data have proven to be an ideal spatial data source for hologram visualization, offering new possibilities for real-time motion holograms of real environments and digital twins.

The Audience is All in (or Not): Perceptions of the Affordances of Journalistic 360° Video

ABSTRACT This study shows how the affordances of journalistic 360° video shape and interact with audience perceptions. 360° video is a form of immersive journalism that allows news to be experienced from a first-person perspective while surrounded by a digital space, with the goal of achieving immersion. It is asked how low-level affordances (i.e., storytelling elements of immersive journalism) are perceived and connected to imagined affordances of 360° video, as well as high-level affordances (i.e., communicative outcomes). In-depth interviews were conducted with 37 German news consumers between the ages of 23 and 80, who were shown two videos on different topics and with two headsets of different sophistication. The study found that the low-level affordances of navigating the self in the story (use of a virtual body, direct address) were often perceived as confusing. Moreover, the use of the spatial narrative (use of the 360° space, unusual perspectives) clashed with interviewees' ideas of how journalism should be presented. The high-level affordance of immersion was achieved nevertheless; however, fears of manipulation were expressed. When the immersion was successful, interviewees felt as they were active participants in the digital world. All in all, careful tailoring of storytelling can help create fruitful immersive journalistic experiences.

Transformative Impact of Metaverse on Education

The metaverse has emerged as a revolutionary force, significantly reshaping various sectors, with education being one of the most profoundly influenced domains. As a virtual, interconnected digital space that transcends traditional physical boundaries, the metaverse presents unprecedented opportunities for enhancing educational experiences and fostering innovative learning methodologies. This essay delves into three pivotal aspects of the metaverse's transformative impact on education: immersive learning experiences, personalized learning and global collaboration, and preparation for the future workforce, which can reshape the way students learn and educators teach. The metaverse has emerged as a game-changing force in education.

Virtual reality is only mildly effective in improving forest conservation behaviors

Virtual Reality (VR) enables immersive experiences that can enhance awareness about environmental problems. We measure the effectiveness of VR versus 2D in an environmental campaign using a field experiment in Brazil. 617 passers-by at a mall were randomly assigned to watch a video clip about the Amazon Forest through VR or a traditional 2D device, with some being randomly interviewed before watching the movie (control group). We find that both the 2D and VR interventions increase individuals’ propensity to (i) contribute to an Amazonian humanitarian campaign, (ii) share contact information, (iii) interact with a conservation campaign, and (iv) state pro-conservation opinions. We find no additional impact of VR compared to 2D, but VR participants were more likely to engage with pro-conservation content online 3 months later. Our findings provide cautionary evidence about the additional potential of using immersive technologies, like VR, to improve conservation behaviors compared to 2D methods.

Conceptual Model of Innovation Decision Process and Hesitation to Adopt Augmented Reality in Tourism Industry

Augmented reality (AR) is gaining popularity in tourism by improving immersive experiences. Therefore, understanding the factors influencing perceptions and barriers is critical. This study examines visitors’ attitudes and decision making hesitation. The innovation decision process is a conceptual model for comprehending user decisions and analyzing AR features and visitor characteristics. The early majority of AR users completed 401 online questionnaires. The causal relationships were investigated using PLS-SEM and IPMA. PLS-SEM results discovered that visual appeal and environmental embedding influenced AR attitudes. This study found that low tourist memorability affected visitor resistance and AR attitudes. The dimensions of visitor perception show that novelty and enjoyment significantly influence AR attitudes. Additionally, we discovered that AR attitudes significantly affected hesitation to reuse AR, revisit and engage in EWOM. IPMA results indicate that the AR attitude is significantly effective and crucial in reducing tourism AR hesitation. Additionally, we present a novel framework that integrates the domains of policy, people and technology.

Investigating co-presence and collaboration dynamics in realtime virtual reality user interactions

As Virtual Reality (VR) technologies advance and gain popularity, their potential as powerful tools for collaboration is increasingly recognized. VR facilitates interaction with the virtual presence of individuals who are not physically co-located. Understanding the dynamics of user interactions and the cognitive perception of virtual presence quality is essential for this technology’s progression. This paper introduces CoCoVR, a VR measurement method for measuring the sense of co-presence and collaboration quality among users through real-time data collection and analysis. CoCoVR is evaluated across various scenarios to understand user interactions in VR under different conditions. An extensive analysis of recent literature has been performed that identified avatar realism and communication as two key factors influencing co-presence and collaboration. The experiment includes a custom VR application, the Soma cube puzzle, and real-time sensors. A between-subject experiment was conducted to collect and analyzes real-time data on collaboration and co-presence. This study integrates both objective and subjective measures, offering deeper insights into the immersive experience and its impact on collaborative tasks. The findings show that avatar realism enhances the feeling of co-presence and that communication methods substantially improve collaboration. Additionally, the study found that measuring physiological responses can serve as a novel method for evaluating the quality of user collaborations.

Gamified experience design: a case study on China's immersive tourist blocks in historic cities

IntroductionIn the context of the internet economy era, historic cities face increasing pressure to attract tourists through effective urban design strategies. Immersive districts, particularly in historic Chinese cities, have emerged as an innovative approach to enhance tourism experiences, achieving notable success. This paper explores the use of immersive design strategies in the Guitanglou (簋唐楼) district in Xi'an, China, with a focus on gamification theory.MethodsThe study employs in-depth interviews and content analysis to examine the design strategies employed in the Guitanglou immersive district. Through these methods, the research investigates how immersive experiences can be used to enhance tourist engagement in historic sites.ResultsThe research introduces a “4S” design model, consisting of Scene, Socialization, Story, and Stimulus. The model suggests that by innovating design within these four key areas, tourists can engage more deeply with the immersive district, resulting in stronger cultural resonance and emotional connections.DiscussionThis study offers new insights into tourism and urban design, highlighting how immersive districts can serve as effective platforms for disseminating historical and cultural values. The findings suggest that leveraging communication strategies familiar to digital natives can create a balance between cultural preservation and economic growth, offering a fresh perspective on urban design in historic settings.