Exploring the social presence in 3D virtual learning environments

Multiuser virtual environments facilitate the design of learning methods based on immersive and collaborative scenarios. In these environments, the concept of social presence, based on the social and emotional projection of every user within the virtual learning environment, can have a positive impact on learning. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to analyse the users' social presence in a virtual world experience with 52 undergraduate students of Pedagogy, where they developed a series of activities related to a case study framed for their future careers. Our results show the development of a clear positive social presence in the three main categories: emotional expression, open communication and group cohesion.