Embodied Learning Through Drama-Based Situatedness Using Immersive Technology in the Classroom

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of embodied learning (EL) approaches in classrooms to improve students' learning effectiveness. A drama-based learning strategy was used to investigate the gap in creating an authentic learning environment for classroom learners and facilitating them to be situationally embodied in the learning context and perform hands-on activities. A total of 76 undergraduate-level students were randomly selected for either the experimental group ($\mathrm{n}=31$) or the control group ($\mathrm{n}=44$). The experimental group used the learning system to immerse and situationally embodied in a drama-based virtual scenario for EL activities where real-time speech, objects and images, body motion and gesture recognition techniques were provided to them as self-evaluation techniques while performing, and the control group used immersion technologies to situationally embody in a virtual fictional context and the teacher and peers did evaluation after the activity. Results showed an improvement in learning effectiveness for both groups, but the approach used for the experimental group outperformed the control group. This study impacts that EL approaches focusing on situatedness can enhance learning effectiveness and provide a useful guide for educational practitioners. Educators can facilitate the effective transfer of knowledge and skills to learners through engaging and immersive learning experiences.