Effects of the Use of Avatars on Online Campus Interaction: The Image of Self-representation

Abstract

One of the most noticeable adverse effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic has been seen on education, among other dynamics of daily life. Universities are continuing their education with online tools under the pandemic measures. The departments affected the most by the online methods are art and design departments that foster studio practice over seminars. Tukana Virtual Campus, a conceptual design model that we developed under TÜBİTAK SOBAG 1001 Scientific and Technological Research Support Program, aims to allow students and educational staff to carry out many practices and activities that are present in a physical campus online; besides synchronic education. In this paper, we focused on the outcomes of qualitative and quantitive research methods, connected with avatars on online campus applications as one of the main elements of interaction between students and educators. The key findings (at on self-created and customized avatars on online campus applications are; Users can proceed with their academic and non-academic activities on the campus with them, They have great importance on social interaction (e.g., communicating by seeing someone’s avatar, establishing empathy). There is a notable connection between avatars and spatial interaction and gamification, They affect users’ motivation by enriching self-expression (e.g., visible emotional states, unique physical appearance) and open communication, Moreover, avatars are a way of self-expression among both students and lecturers, feeling a sense of belonging, given that the said elements can be customized according to the user’s will. As the freedom of customization features increases, so does the motivation each user possesses.

Presenters

Nur Cemelelioglu
Assistant Professor, Graphic Design Program, Faculty of Art and Design, Istanbul, Turkey

Barış Öçal
Research Assistant, Faculty of Art and Design, Yildiz Technical University, Turkey

Ayca Unluer
Associate Professor, Interactive Media Design, Yildiz Technical University, Turkey

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

2021 Special Focus - Picture a Pandemic: The Visual Construction of Meaning in Digital Networks

KEYWORDS

Human-Computer, Interaction, User, Interface, Design, Online, Education, Gamification, Customization

Digital Media

Videos

https://youtu.be/4-ly_z5F-UE
Effects Of The Use Of Avatars On Online Campus Interaction : The Image Of Self Representation
Effects Of The Use Of Avatars On Online Campus Interaction : The Image Of Self Representation

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Effects of the Use of Avatars on Online Campus Interaction : The Image of Self-representation

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Effects of the Use of Avatars on Online Campus Interaction : The Image of Self-representation

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