On repurposing social virtual reality platforms to support distributed learning

We investigate repurposing existing virtual reality applications as teaching platforms. A pilot study conducted using six freely available social applications on the Oculus Quest platform investigates the practical issues involved in using these applications for distributed learning in a higher education context. Recordings and reports from collaborative sessions with each application yield insights into employing virtual reality as an environment to support teaching. First time use involves both adapting to the platform interface, but also ensuring mutual agreement on conventions, control and expressions. Several applications support limited importing and authoring of content. Addressing and locating rooms and participants is a challenge, while the opportunities associated with avatar representation and identity promise enhanced interactions between individuals beyond traditional teacher/student roles.