Development of Online VR Learning Content to Learn about Waxing and Waning of the Moon in a Metaverse Learning Environment

Abstract

This study developed a metaverse learning environment designed to support simultaneous access by multiple learners. Additionally, online VR learning content was constructed to facilitate collaborative learning of lunar phases through the use of avatars. Furthermore, by evaluating the developed VR content, we aimed to obtain basic data on the usability of the content and the actual situation of learning activities, and to obtain knowledge for the improvement of learning materials and the development of lesson design in the future. The results of the evaluation of high school students in terms of “general activities,” “communication,” “activities with avatars,” and “usability,” showed that the majority of the items received significantly more positive responses, indicating the usefulness of this VR content in a metaverse learning environment. This VR content was able to arouse interest in dialogue and learning with others in the metaverse learning environment, and to promote cooperation and active learning with others. Furthermore, the content enabled the participants to communicate with the avatars without feeling uncomfortable. The overall usability of this VR content, the teleportation function, and the use of the control window were also shown to be easy to use for the learners.