A Phenomenological Study of Teachers’ Roles and Learners’ Responses in Learner-Centered Classes Using Metaverse Technology

This paper examines learner-centered media English learning using metaverse-based facilitation through a phenomenological method, which is a type of qualitative research. A private university in Chungcheongbuk-do gave a Liberal Arts English class in Gather.town, one of the Metaverse platforms, and designed a learner-centered course through appropriate facilitation by the professor. This study conducted an in-depth analysis on the experience of students in this new classroom environment, the roles of professors, and the internal and external changes of students by using a phenomenological research method from Mustakas (1994). The results were as follows: first, students enjoyed and felt interested in the new learning; second, the professor played the role of a facilitator who promoted student participation and cooperation; third, the course made students internally motivated to learn actively; and fourth, students externally experienced learner-centered learning through interaction among themselves. Lastly, this study discussed the need for proper facilitation by the instructor for a metaverse-based English class. In conclusion, it was found that English classes using metaverse-based facilitation were interesting, enhancing collaboration, and motivating their learning. Therefore, learner-centered learning based on the metaverse will play a role and function in attracting students’ spontaneous participation, cooperation, and learning motivation when appropriate facilitation is provided.