Asymmetrical Collaboration in VR and the Impact of Embodiment during a Guided Procedural Learning Task

Abstract: Virtual Reality (VR) is valuable for educational purposes, particularly procedural learning. However, single-user applications lack the benefits of teacher guidance. Symmetrical VR systems, where both teacher and student use VR, have limitations in supervision and accessing external materials. Asymmetrical systems can solve this problem by allowing the teacher to use a different device. To investigate the potential of an asymmetrical VR system and the impact of embodiment on the learning experience, an asymmetrical VR system was developed using a tablet. The system was tested using an assembly task to explore the impact of embodiment (no avatar, avatar without hands, avatar with hands) and the teacher’s device, VR Head-Mounted Display (HMD) or tablet, on task difficulty, performance, social presence, communication quality, and preference. Results indicated that an avatar with hands yielded the best outcomes, and communication was similar to face-to-face interaction. The experience of the asymmetrical system, in which only the student used a VR HMD, was perceived alike compared to a similar symmetrical system, in which both student and teacher used a VR HMD. Therefore, an asymmetrical VR system can be a feasible option for Collaborative Virtual Environments, offering cost-effectiveness and easier set-up while not isolating the teacher from the physical environment.