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Software Engineering for Educational AI Applications: Insights from Student Requirements for a VR Coaching System

Authors:
Yvonne Sedelmaier
Jens Grubert
Dieter Landes

Keywords: AI-based learning; virtual reality; VR; educational software engineering; oral examination; requirements

Abstract:
This paper presents findings of a study which explored students’ perspectives on a virtual reality (VR)-based AI coach designed to support preparation for oral examinations. It highlights the complex interplay between user experience, acceptance, and software development priorities. The qualitative data collected from informatics students provides important insights into their learning goals, expectations, and specific requirements for such a tool and reveals significant implications for the design and development process. The study shows that students are generally open to the use of AI-based VR applications in exam preparation. They express strong interest in virtual coaching — particularly to build confidence and reduce exam-related anxiety in oral settings. Students value the opportunity to engage in realistic simulations, receive authentic and useful feedback, and benefit from a personalized learning environment that adapts to their individual needs. The students articulated high expectations regarding the realism of the virtual coaching scenarios, the accuracy and completeness of the content, and the degree of individualization provided by the system. In summary, the student feedback underscores the critical role of user experience and perceived value in the development of educational technologies. When prospective developers are also the users, their standards become even more stringent. To succeed, a VR-based coaching system must not only be technically functional but also pedagogically credible and emotionally acceptable from its very first use. These insights challenge typical development rhythms and require a raised awareness of the experiential dimension of educational software.

Pages: 60 to 65

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2025

Publication date: September 28, 2025

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-4235

ISBN: 978-1-68558-296-8

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Dates: from September 28, 2025 to October 2, 2025