Work

Should we break the illusion? A study on non-diegetic audio in immersive informal learning

Year: 2025

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: This study explores the role of explanatory narration, delivered as non-diegetic audio—in supporting conceptual understanding and long-term motivation in immersive virtual reality (VR). Building on an open-source VR simulation where users embody an Adélie penguin, we conducted a between-subjects experiment (N = 30) to examine how synchronized narration impacts learning outcomes, embodiment, and post-experience engagement. Participants performed four embodied tasks—waddling, nesting, mating, and predator defense—with or without narration. Assessments included immediate and delayed knowledge tests, a 16-item embodiment questionnaire, and motivation measures three weeks post-experience.

Source: ACM Symposium on Virtual Reality Software and Technology (VRST)

DOI: 10.1145/3756884.3765969

Authors: Wenjin Yang, Chaeyeon Kim, Kevin Ponto

Institutions: University of Wisconsin–Madison, Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery

Language: English

Topic: Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts

Subfield: Human-Computer Interaction

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: National Science Foundation