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Article Citation - WoS: 3Evaluation of the Effects of Avatar on Learning Temporomandibular Joint in a Metaverse-Based Training(Wiley, 2024) Basmaci, Fulya; Bulut, Ali Can; Ozcelik, Erol; Ekici, Saliha Zerdali; Kilicarslan, Mehmet Ali; Cagiltay, Nergiz ErcilPurposeAvatars, representing users in the digital world, can influence users' behavior and attitudes. This study evaluates the impact of representing dental students receiving temporomandibular joint (TMJ) education in the metaverse via an anonymous or identified avatar.MethodsParticipants included 80 dental students in their fourth and fifth years of study. They were randomly assigned to either the avatar group (identified avatar) or the control group (anonymous avatar). Prior to training, participants completed a demographic questionnaire and a pretraining knowledge assessment. TMJ training was conducted in the metaverse for both groups. Pre- and post-training assessments included the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and a shyness scale to ensure group comparability. A post-test consisting of five questions was administered to both groups after 2 weeks of training.ResultsThere were no significant differences in pretraining scores for prior knowledge (p = 0.67), trait anxiety (p = 0.28), state anxiety (p = 0.92), or shyness (p = 0.42) between the avatar and control groups, indicating comparability at baseline. Post-training analysis revealed significantly higher post-test scores in the avatar group (median = 80) compared to the control group (median = 60) (p = 0.03).ConclusionsMetaverse environments offer various benefits for students, educators, and educational institutions in health education programs. Representing learners and their identities in training environments can enhance learning outcomes.Article Citation - WoS: 22Citation - Scopus: 24The Role of Covid-19 Anxiety and Social Contact Within Technology Readiness and Acceptance Model for Virtual Reality(Sage Publications Ltd, 2023) Ozekici, Yakup Kemal; Kucukergin, Kemal GurkanThis research aims to question the current threats posed by COVID-19 anxiety and the concept of social contact brought up by the pandemic, with the goal of extending the TRAM model within the context of tourism and virtual reality (VR). The sample of the study comprises of 300 participants taking part in a touristic activity within the last year and experiencing the lockdown period. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) is used for data analysis. According to the findings, COVID-19 anxiety significantly enhances attitudes toward VR, social contact as a tourist role, and perceived usefulness (PU) toward VR. However, social contact is shown not to have a significant effect on attitudes toward VR. Lastly, technological readiness predicts perceived ease of use (PEOU) and PU of VR. The two, in turn, affect attitudes toward virtual reality technology (AVR), which positively affects behavioral intention toward virtual reality technology, namely, BIVR. Insights derived from the study extend present knowledge concerning TRAM, COVID-19 anxiety, virtual reality, social contact as a value, and provide various recovery marketing-oriented strategies for tourism professionals.
