scholarly journals Interpersonal Affective Touch in a Virtual World: Feeling the Social Presence of Others to Overcome Loneliness

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Letizia Della Longa ◽  
Irene Valori ◽  
Teresa Farroni
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Social Presence ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Physical Distance ◽  
Virtual Communication ◽  
Social Exchanges ◽  
Affective Touch ◽  
Making Sense ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Sense Of Touch

Humans are by nature social beings tuned to communicate and interact from the very beginning of their lives. The sense of touch represents the most direct and intimate channel of communication and a powerful means of connection between the self and the others. In our digital age, the development and diffusion of internet-based technologies and virtual environments offer new opportunities of communication overcoming physical distance. It however, happens that social interactions are often mediated, and the tactile aspects of communication are overlooked, thus diminishing the feeling of social presence, which may contribute to an increased sense of social disconnection and loneliness. The current manuscript aims to review the extant literature about the socio-affective dimension of touch and current advancements in interactive virtual environments in order to provide a new perspective on multisensory virtual communication. Specifically, we suggest that interpersonal affective touch might critically impact virtual social exchanges, promoting a sense of co-presence and social connection between individuals, possibly overcoming feelings of sensory loneliness. This topic of investigation will be of crucial relevance from a theoretical perspective aiming to understand how we integrate multisensory signals in processing and making sense of interpersonal exchanges, this is important in both typical and atypical populations. Moreover, it will pave the way to promising applications by exploring the possibility to use technical innovations to communicate more interactively in the case of people who suffer from social isolation and disconnection from others.

scholarly journals Enhancing Qualities of Consciousness during Online Learning via Multisensory Interactions

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 57
Author(s):  
Valentina Cesari ◽  
Benedetta Galgani ◽  
Angelo Gemignani ◽  
Danilo Menicucci
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Physical Distance ◽  
Traditional Learning ◽  
Sense Of Presence ◽  
Lack Of Control ◽  
Multisensory Interactions ◽  
Feasible Alternative

Online-learning is a feasible alternative to in-person attendance during COVID-19 pandemic. In this period, information technologies have allowed sharing experiences, but have also highlighted some limitations compared to traditional learning. Learning is strongly supported by some qualities of consciousness such as flow (intended as the optimal state of absorption and engagement activity) and sense of presence (feeling of exerting control, interacting with and getting immersed into real/virtual environments), behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement, together with the need for social interaction. During online learning, feelings of disconnection, social isolation, distractions, boredom, and lack of control exert a detrimental effect on the ability to reach the state of flow, the feeling of presence, the feeling of social involvement. Since online environments could prevent the rising of these learning–supporting variables, this article aims at describing the role of flow, presence, engagement, and social interactions during online sessions and at characterizing multisensory stimulations as a driver to cope with these issues. We argue that the use of augmented, mixed, or virtual reality can support the above-mentioned domains, and thus counteract the detrimental effects of physical distance. Such support could be further increased by enhancing multisensory stimulation modalities within augmented and virtual environments.

scholarly journals Sustained Use of Virtual Meeting Platforms for Classes in the Post-Coronavirus Era: The Mediating Effects of Technology Readiness and Social Presence

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 8203
Author(s):  
Yumi Yi ◽  
Rosemary Hyejin Moon
Keyword(s):  
Social Presence ◽  
Course Satisfaction ◽  
Technology Readiness ◽  
Virtual Technology ◽  
Virtual Communication ◽  
Virtual Meeting ◽  
Sustained Use ◽  
Academic Courses ◽  
In Series ◽  
Perceived Social Presence

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, educational institutions were forced to turn to online classes that are either recorded or taught live on virtual meeting platforms. Students could, therefore, attend classes from virtually any location using their mobile devices and Internet access. Despite the prolonged pandemic, little attention has been paid to whether offering courses on a virtual meeting platform is sustainable. This study, therefore, explores the antecedents of students’ intentions regarding the sustained use of virtual meeting platforms for academic courses. We investigated the relationship between technology readiness (TR) and perceived social presence (SP) within a virtual communication setting with course satisfaction and sustained use intention. Data were collected via a survey from 525 college students in South Korea who had attended classes using a virtual meeting platform. Serial mediation analysis revealed a pathway in which SP and course satisfaction in series fully mediate the positive relationship between technology readiness and sustainability. This study discusses the implications in relation to the sustainability of virtual technology-based courses as a replacement of live classroom-based courses from a user perspective. Further research is needed to understand users’ negative experiences of attending courses on virtual meeting platforms.

Enhancing qualities of consciousness during online learning via multisensory interactions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Cesari ◽  
Benedetta Galgani ◽  
Angelo Gemignani ◽  
Danilo Menicucci
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Physical Distance ◽  
Sense Of Presence ◽  
Lack Of Control ◽  
Multisensory Interactions ◽  
Feasible Alternative ◽  
Time Information

Online-learning is a feasible alternative to the physical classroom during this current global COVID-19 pandemic. In this time, Information Technologies have allowed sharing experiences but has also highlighted some limitations compared to the traditional way of learning. Learning is strongly sustained by some qualities of consciousness such as flow (intended as the optimal state of absorption and engagement in activity) and sense of presence (feeling of exerting control, interacting with and getting immersed into real/virtual environments), together with the need for social interaction. During online learning, feelings of disconnection, social isolation, distractions, lack of control exert a detrimental effect on the ability to reach the state of flow, the feeling of presence, the feeling of social involvement. Since online environments could prevent the rising of these learning-supporting variables, this article aims at describing the role of flow, presence and social interactions during online sessions and characterizing multi sensory stimulations as a driver to cope with these issues. We argue that the use of augmented, mixed or virtual reality can support abovementioned domains of consciousness and thus counteract the detrimental effects of physical distance. Such support could be further increased by enhancing multisensory stimulation modalities within augmented and virtual environments.

Ludic Learning

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 20-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleshia T. Hayes ◽  
Carrie L. Straub ◽  
Lisa A. Dieker ◽  
Charlie E. Hughes ◽  
Michael C. Hynes
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Environments ◽  
User Experience ◽  
Social Presence ◽  
Mixed Reality ◽  
Emerging Technologies ◽  
Emerging Technology ◽  
Sense Of Presence ◽  
Suspension Of Disbelief

New and emerging technology in the field of virtual environments has permitted a certain malleability of learning milieus. These emerging environments allow learning and transfer through interactions that have been intentionally designed to be pleasurable experiences. TLE TeachLivE™ is just such an emerging environment that engages teachers in practice on pedagogical and content aspects of teaching in a simulator. The sense of presence, engagement, and ludus of TLE TeachLivE™ are derived from the compelling Mixed Reality that includes components of off-the shelf and emerging technologies. Some of the noted features that have been identified relevant to the ludic nature of TeachLivE include the flow, fidelity, unpredicability, suspension of disbelief, social presence, and gamelike elements. This article explores TLE TeachLivE™ in terms of the ludology, paideic user experience, the source of the ludus, and outcomes of the ludic nature of the experience.

3D Avatars and Collaborative Virtual Environments

2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Koon-Ying Raymond Li ◽  
James Sofra
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Social Presence ◽  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Collaborative Virtual Environments ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Collaborative Virtual Environment ◽  
Communication Processes ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Collaborative Activities

With the exponential growth in desktop computing power and advancements in Web-based technologies over the past decade, the virtual community is now a reality. The latest derivative of the virtual community, made possible by 3D avatars, is called the collaborative virtual environment (CVE). These CVEs often provide “fantasy-themed online worlds” for participants to socially interact. Instead of placing emphasis on teamplaying, the sharing of information, and collaborative activities, a CVE focuses on social presence and communication processes. Unlike virtual environments which allow participants to discuss what is going on in the real world, the participants’ experiences of the virtual world provided by the CVE are often the main topics for discussion. These CVEs, just like their real counterparts, have their own issues and problems. This article will analyze the potential benefits of avatars, helping to build virtual communities and explore the possible issues that are associated with the CVE.

Lesson study and teachers’ beliefs

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar Mayrhofer
Keyword(s):  
Lesson Study ◽  
Classroom Practice ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Educational Beliefs ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Teacher Students ◽  
Theoretical Paper ◽  
New Perspective

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to show, from a theoretical perspective, how lesson study (LS) can initiate processes that have an effect on most fundamental teachers’ (and teacher–students’) personal beliefs which are the basis of a teacher’ interactions. On the basis of research referring to educational beliefs and good practice, the paper’s approach is to bring underlying beliefs into relation to Pierre Bourdieu’s sociocultural concept of the habitus. Awareness of these unconscious fundamentals is a requirement for improvement. Developing a professional habitus will allow inappropriate beliefs to be changed by informed knowledge. LS can support that. Design/methodology/approach This is a theoretical paper aiming at illustrating the potential of LS to initiate learning and reflection among teachers, and challenge and ultimately affect deep ranging beliefs. Guided by the idea that beliefs are not only a random collection acquired in a biography, the paper applies the Bourdieuian idea of habitus and field, suggesting habitus as the origin and source of beliefs and, therefore, ultimately of classroom practice. The paper defines LS as a tool in teacher education that has the potential to make teachers change inappropriate concepts by reflecting on their habitus and develop a more professional habitus. Findings Research agrees that teachers’ decisions and actions are strongly rooted in their unconscious beliefs, which have accumulated during their biographies, especially during their own school days whereas informed knowledge is neglected. The Bourdieuian theory of habitus is a heuristic concept that provides an integrative social perspective on beliefs as both a part and a result of a teacher’s habitus. Reflection on practice and teacher cooperation is essential for teacher learning. LS is an ideal setting providing these essentials, and the paper finds that the negative effects of habitus-rooted unconscious beliefs and practices can be affected by developing awareness through LS. Originality/value This paper aims at bringing together Bourdieu’s sociocultural theory of habitus and field, and LS. Inappropriate beliefs guiding practice can hinder informed knowledge on education to be integrated. An analysis of the habitus as the foundation of beliefs can create awareness of the effects resulting from biographical and social sources in both pre- and in-service teacher training. Rather than changing single beliefs, developing a professional habitus allows to integrate informed knowledge and affect a lasting change. The Bourdieuian approach opens up a new perspective of the capacity of LS and makes a relevant contribution in developing a professional habitus.

An Experiment on Weight Sensation in Real and Virtual Environments

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam S. Coutee ◽  
Bert Bras
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Tactile Feedback ◽  
Test Bed ◽  
Simulation Test ◽  
Time Simulation ◽  
Haptic Technology ◽  
Sense Of Touch ◽  
Disassembly Planning

Virtual reality allows users to visualize and interact with a three-dimensional world in a computer-generated environment. Haptic technology has allowed enhancement to these environments, adding the sense of touch through force and tactile feedback devices. In the engineering domain, these devices have been implemented in many areas including product design. We have developed a real-time simulation test bed to assess the usefulness of haptic technology for assembly and disassembly planning. In this paper, we present a study conducted to characterize the perception of weight in this virtual environment. Specifically, the experiments performed test the ability of a user to distinguish weight differences between two objects in real and virtual environments. This paper describes the experiments conducted and an analysis of the results.

The Effect of the Agency and Anthropomorphism on Users' Sense of Telepresence, Copresence, and Social Presence in Virtual Environments

2003 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 481-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristine L. Nowak ◽  
Frank Biocca
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Social Presence ◽  
The Other ◽  
Virtual Image ◽  
Computer Controlled ◽  
Set Up

We report on an experiment that examined the influence of anthropomorphism and perceived agency on presence, copresence, and social presence in a virtual environment. The experiment varied the level of anthropomorphism of the image of interactants: high anthropomorphism, low anthropomorphism, or no image. Perceived agency was manipulated by telling the participants that the image was either an avatar controlled by a human, or an agent controlled by a computer. The results support the prediction that people respond socially to both human and computer-controlled entities, and that the existence of a virtual image increases tele-presence. Participants interacting with the less-anthropomorphic image reported more copresence and social presence than those interacting with partners represented by either no image at all or by a highly anthropomorphic image of the other, indicating that the more anthropomorphic images set up higher expectations that lead to reduced presence when these expectations were not met.

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