Immersive virtual environments and embodied agents for e-learning applications

Massive Open Online Courses are a dominant force in remote-learning yet suffer from persisting problems stemming from lack of commitment and low completion rates. In this initial study we investigate how the use of immersive virtual environments for Power-Point based informational learning may benefit learners and mimic traditional lectures successfully. We examine the role of embodied agent tutors which are frequently implemented within virtual learning environments. We find similar performance on a bespoke knowledge test and metrics for motivation, satisfaction, and engagement by learners in both real and virtual environments, regardless of embodied agent tutor presence. Our results raise questions regarding the viability of using virtual environments for remote-learning paradigms, and we emphasise the need for further investigation to inform the design of effective remote-learning applications.

How are Kurins formed? § Kurins are formed by the life cycle of a type of flora (lo'roon) which will form from a spore landing on the surface soil, spreading into the ground and creating a large spherical sac which produces more spores § When spores are released the sac dissolves leaving the spherical shapethe only thing left behind are the distinctive vents from which the spores are released

Stage 2: Furlagane Stage
The gas sublimates into solid vines and absorbs nutrients from the soil § Over time the vapour will cool and sublimate, forming cellular tissue in a vine structure around the walls of the burrow § These vines then absorb nutrients from the surrounding soil § These nutrients are used in the development of more specialised cells which form the organs § Some of these vines will later be used in the development of their skeletal system

Stage 3: Levorg Stage
The vines use nutrients from the soil to form the first part of the brain § The first organ to develop within the vines is the Crixwin's primary neurological organ (ufrot) § This is initially responsible for the formation of the other organs (namely those used in the digestive and excretion systems), but is later also responsible for automatic processes such as the regulation of the Crixwin's epidermal respiratory system and motor control § It is not until Stage 4 that what we might call "consciousness" develops -at this stage the ufrot acts in a similar way to the way Earth's microorganisms may behave -it serves only to direct the flow of vital nutrients and processes

Stage 4: Gresians Stages
The newly formed neurological organ (ufrot) continues directing nutrients from the soil into the construction of the skin and skeleton § This is the most pivotal stage in a Crixwin's development as it sees them becoming sentient § Nutrients from the soil are compounded by the vines to form an epidermal tissue which spreads across the surface of the kurin's walls and links all the vines into a comprehensive "skin". The vines still remain in contact with the soil while the rest of the stage is completed § The ufrot then directs the flow of nutrients to change the shape of the vines and compound the tissue into a more durable, bone-like material called gritin. Stage 4 continued . . . § As the gritin skeleton becomes integrated into the epidermis, the ufrot simultaneously develops cortical areas responsible for proprioception. From this initial proprioceptive ability, the rest of the Crixwin's consciousness and sensory systems will develop § Crixwin's are deaf but are able to sense vibrations to an incredibly sensitive degree through the complex sensory network that runs through their epidermis -they can practically hear sounds that are loud enough and will normally feel the oncoming of any potential threats before we would even be able to hear it

Stage 5: Anderlons Stage
The Crixwin's digestive and respiratory systems develop, and the vital Crixjuice is secreted into the Crixwin's interior cavity § The respiratory system of a Crixwin is found entirely within their epidermis -so once the skeleton has completely formed this is the first organ to develop before the epidermis seals the gritin skeleton into position § The respiratory system is made up of small pockets scattered throughout the epidermis. These pockets are called irwigs and will work to take in the atmosphere of Alun through the Crixwin's skin and absorb any useful chemicals into the Crixjuice which can then be used for important processes in the body Epidermis Irwigs § Once the digestive system (consisting of a single sac with a selectively permeable membrane) has formed and successfully connected with the skeletal structure of the mouth (which forms from a designated irwig being repurposed by the ufrot) the kurin serves its final purpose: §The epidermis absorbs nutrients from the soil for the last time and produces the vitally important life-fluid known as Crixjuice

Stage 6: Impons Stage
The Crixwin emerges (albeit blind and without a mouth) from its kurin and its body undergoes the changes necessary for life on the surface § With the body of the Crixwin being ready for survival on the surface, the muscular and skeletal systems make their final major developments § A Crixwin's body is an oblate spheroid shape with a flattening ratio of around 0.35 on average, and moves using four limbs with three digits each, with two retractable claws within each group of three § Each limb consists of two primary bones (and then more in each "hand") which both utilise ball socket joints affording the Crixwin a great deal of flexibility § The slow growth of these limbs pushes the body of the Crixwin out of the kurin, destroying the valves through which it was initially birthed and pushing aside the soil, thus allowing the complete development of the limbs