Evaluating the Role of Visual Fidelity in Digital Vtubers on Mandarin Chinese Character Learning

Despite the growing presence of digital Virtual YouTubers (Vtubers) in educational settings, there is limited empirical evidence on their effectiveness in language acquisition. In this investigation, we delved into the realm of digital education to assess how the visual fidelity of digital Vtuber av...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Xiaoxiao Cao, Wei Tong, Kenta Ono, Makoto Watanabe
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Informatics
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9709/12/1/26
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Despite the growing presence of digital Virtual YouTubers (Vtubers) in educational settings, there is limited empirical evidence on their effectiveness in language acquisition. In this investigation, we delved into the realm of digital education to assess how the visual fidelity of digital Vtuber avatars affects the acquisition of Mandarin Chinese characters by beginners. Through incorporating a diverse array of digital Vtubers, ranging from simple two-dimensional figures to complex three-dimensional models, we explored the relationship between digital Vtuber design and learner engagement and efficacy. This study employed a randomized tutorial distribution, immediate post-tutorial quizzing, and a realism scoring rubric, with statistical analysis conducted through Pearson correlation. The analysis, involving 608 participants, illuminated a clear positive correlation: digital Vtubers with higher levels of realism significantly enhanced learning outcomes, underscoring the importance of visual fidelity in educational content. This research substantiates the educational utility of digital Vtubers and underscores their potential in creating more immersive and effective digital learning environments. The findings advocate for leveraging sophisticated digital Vtubers to foster deeper learner engagement, improve educational achievement, and promote sustainable educational practices, offering insights for the future development of digital learning strategies.
ISSN:2227-9709