From Presence to Acceptance: Exploring the Influence of Sense of Presence on Immersive Learning Technology Acceptance and Reasoning

Abstract

. Research found that the sense of presence (SOP) has the potential to enhance learning processes in immersive learning environments. While the positive immediate effects of SOP on affective variables are well-documented, the effects on the quality of reasoning, are less known. The aim of this study was to explore to what extent SOP predicts a specific kind of affective variable - learners’ acceptance of immersive technology - and the quality of learners’ reasoning, defined as knowledge-based reasoning (KBR). 56 healthcare assistant apprentices were engaged to reflect on the professional procedure of blood sampling which was presented through a 360° immersive video. We applied a partial least squares structural equation modelling analysis to test the hypotheses. The results confirmed that SOP significantly predicts learners' acceptance of immersive environments. However, no direct relationship was found between SOP and KBR. Findings suggest that the relation between SOP and reasoning is complex and potentially mediated by other factors. Future research should investigate how different reflective tasks influence the quality of reasoning in immersive learning environment.