Development of a first draft prototype of 360 Synchronous Interactive Telepresence

This contribution presents the first results of an extensive research, in particular of a first step that focuses on an important technological development useful for educational purposes. Based on the distance education paradigm and considering the challenge of the development ofeducation-driven applications, this research aims to enhance the use of synchronous 360-degree videos for an interactive telepresence environment in the higher education context. More accurately, this contribution aims at evaluate and validate a novel didactic interaction paradigm, based on a VR360 telepresence application and experienced through Head Mounted Displays (HMD). This application allows for the inclusion of students who cannot participate in face-toface activities, giving them the opportunity to participate in an immersive and interactive connection with both the teacher and peers, and the environment in which they operate. Unfortunately, there is currently no telepresence system that allows synchronous interaction. With this project we want to contribute to fill this gap by developing a prototype solution called Immersive synchronous learning 360 (ISL360 - ImmerSyncLearn360) project. With a view to total interdisciplinary reciprocity, the research team, consisting of pedagogical and IT experts, shares an equal working approach. This article presents the first result of the research path, from a technological and pedagogical point of view: the analysis and design have been completed with the definition of the architecture and components to be used, from the VR360 cameras to the streaming protocol and the streaming server considering the main teaching requirements. The development of the first prototype is still in progress. The work concludes withhe first draft of some application scenarios.