Simulations in virtual learning environments: A comparison of avatar-based and video-camera-based roleplay scenarios

Effective communication is needed to manage tasks in the teaching profession. However, teacher training programs often fail to test such skills. This paper presents an innovative teaching-learning format in which simulations in the form of role-plays were conducted in two different (avatar-based vs.video-camera-based) virtual learning environments. The two learning environments were compared to determine their advantages and disadvantages. In particular, the feeling of immersion in the avatar-based learning environment allows students to test their communicative skills in a safe setting in a manner that is almost true to reality.