Evaluating the Effectiveness of Avatar-Based Collaboration in XR for Pump Station Training Scenarios

Abstract

Immersive Virtual Reality (iVR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have become increasingly accessible tools for enhancing learning and training experiences. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of avatar-based collaboration within each platform, particularly in the context of pump station training scenarios, so an application was developed: EduAvatars: Pumpstation XR. A total of four concepts were prepared: on-site AR instruction with avatar, on-site AR instruction without avatar but with manual, iVR instruction with avatar, and iVR instruction without avatar but with manual. In each concept, users are supposed to proceed with two experimental tasks: speed control and bypass control, following the same procedure: check valves and level indicators. The usability of this application was validated as a preliminary study, and the results are promising for its introduction to lectures to improve student learning. The preliminary results indicate user satisfaction with the integration of EduAvatars and a significant interest in using it frequently. However, our work also discusses identified areas for improvement.