Beyond Distance: Fostering Community in Online Art Courses Through 3-D Virtual Spaces

Penn State faculty and fellows, Zena Tredinnick-Kirby, Ph.D., Anna Divinsky, and Courtney Redding, are exploring an innovative approach to student engagement and active learning within online education. They utilize virtual reality (VR) technologies, specifically 3D virtual spaces via the Spatial.io platform, to foster a cohesive class community. Spatial.io provides a versatile platform usable through desktop web browsers, mobile apps, or VR headsets, enabling users to create personalized 3D virtual environments and individualized avatars. This paper investigates how VR can be employed to cultivate community in asynchronous online art courses through mechanisms such as peer feedback, customized art spaces, and individual presence. By nurturing a creative and inclusive virtual class environment, the objective is to establish strong connections with students, facilitating mutual learning and personal expression. This approach not only addresses technological disparities but also promotes critical thinking and collaborative skills among students.