Junie Ong, Kinjal Doshi, Keng Hao Chew, June H.M. Tay and Jonathan Jon-Chung Foo
Teaching is a demanding profession with educators often experiencing high levels of stress, leading to burnout and associated negative outcomes such as diminished job satisfaction…
Abstract
Purpose
Teaching is a demanding profession with educators often experiencing high levels of stress, leading to burnout and associated negative outcomes such as diminished job satisfaction and compromised health. Enhancing social and emotional competence through mindfulness practices has shown promise in mitigating these effects. However, the demanding schedules of teachers often impede regular mindfulness practice. Virtual reality (VR) technology offers a novel solution by providing an immersive environment conducive to mindfulness. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of VR-assisted mindfulness practices among educational professionals.
Design/methodology/approach
This study evaluated the effectiveness of VR-assisted mindfulness practices among 35 educational professionals. Participants, recruited via email, completed pre- and post-intervention surveys and engaged in a 10-min mindfulness session using an Oculus Go headset, which simulated a 360-degree forest environment accompanied by audio-guided practice.
Findings
The findings suggest that VR can be an effective tool for facilitating mindfulness among teachers, offering a more accessible and engaging way to practice. This study underscores the importance of the quality of the virtual environment and relevant audio cues in enhancing mindfulness experiences. However, limitations include the small sample size and single-session intervention. Future research should explore larger-scale studies, long-term effects and improvements in VR hardware to enhance comfort.
Originality/value
VR technology has the potential to serve as an effective adjunct to traditional mindfulness training, helping educators manage stress and prevent burnout. These insights contribute to the growing literature on VR-assisted therapies and provide a foundation for future research.
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Nida Shamim, Suraksha Gupta and Matthew Minsuk Shin
The purpose of this paper is to explore user engagement (UE) within the Metaverse (MV) environment, emphasising the crucial role of immersive experiences (IEs). This study aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore user engagement (UE) within the Metaverse (MV) environment, emphasising the crucial role of immersive experiences (IEs). This study aims to understand how IEs influence UE and the mediating effects of hedonic value (HV) and utilitarian value (UV) on this relationship. Additionally, the authors examine the moderating impacts of user perceptions (UPs) such as headset comfort, simulation sickness, prior knowledge and ease of use on the utilisation of the MV. This study seeks to elucidate the dynamics of virtual travel at a pre-experience stage, enhancing the comprehension of how digital platforms can revolutionise UE in travel and tourism.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a triangulation methodology to provide a thorough investigation into the factors influencing UE in the MV. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to frame the research context and identify relevant variables. To gather empirical data, 25 interviews were performed with active MV users, supplemented by a survey distributed to 118 participants. The data collected was analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) to test the hypothesised relationships between IEs, UPs, HV and UV and their combined effect on UE within the MV.
Findings
The findings from the SEM indicate that engaging in the MV leads to a positive IE, which significantly enhances UE. Additionally, it was discovered that HV and UV play a mediating role in strengthening the link between IEs and UE. Furthermore, UPs, including headset comfort, simulation sickness, prior knowledge and ease of use, are significant moderators in the relationship between IEs and MV usage. These insights provide a nuanced understanding of the variables that contribute to and enhance UE in virtual environments.
Originality/value
This research contributes original insights into the burgeoning field of digital tourism by focusing on the MV, a rapidly evolving platform. It addresses the gap in the existing literature by delineating the complex interplay between IEs, UPs and value constructs within the MV. By using a mixed-method approach and advanced statistical analysis, this study provides a comprehensive model of UE specific to virtual travel platforms. The findings are particularly valuable for developers and marketers in the hospitality and tourism sectors seeking to capitalise on digital transformation and enhance UE through immersive technologies.