The Llama–ARCS Adaptive Learning framework: AI–VR Integration System for Real-Time Motivational Feedback in Higher Education

Authors

  • Abraham Eseoghene Evwiekpaefe Nigerian Defense Academy
  • Darius Tienhus Chinyio Nigerian Defense Academy
  • Loreta Katok Tohomdet Airforce Institute of Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62411/jcta.15031

Keywords:

Adaptive Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Higher Education, Learning Analytics, Llama-ARCS, Motivational Theory, Real-Time Feedback, Virtual Reality

Abstract

This study developed and evaluated an AI-integrated Virtual Reality (VR) system designed to enhance personalized learning in higher education. While VR improves engagement, existing systems often lack adaptivity or experience high latency during AI interactions. To address these limitations, this research introduces a novel integration of a cache-optimized Llama 2 Large Language Model (LLM) that delivers real-time, motivationally grounded feedback. The system was implemented using Unity 3D and validated with 50 undergraduate students. Technical validation showed that the cache layer reduced interaction latency from 17.7 ms to 14.2 ms and maintained zero system crashes throughout the pilot. Learner motivation was assessed using Keller’s ARCS model, yielding mean scores ranging from 4.08 to 4.69 across all dimensions. Independent t-tests (p > 0.05) and negligible effect sizes (Cohen’s d < 0.2) revealed no significant difference between technical (ICT) and non-technical (Physics) students. These findings confirm that the proposed system effectively bridges technological and motivational gaps, providing a robust model for adaptive, immersive education.

Author Biographies

Abraham Eseoghene Evwiekpaefe, Nigerian Defense Academy

Department of Computer Science, Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna 800001, Nigeria

Darius Tienhus Chinyio, Nigerian Defense Academy

Department of Computer Science, Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna 800001, Nigeria

Loreta Katok Tohomdet, Airforce Institute of Technology

Department of Information and Communication Technology, Airforce Institute of Technology, Kaduna 800001, Nigeria

References

D. Hamilton, J. McKechnie, E. Edgerton, and C. Wilson, “Immersive virtual reality as a pedagogical tool in education: a systematic literature review of quantitative learning outcomes and experimental design,” J. Comput. Educ., vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 1–32, Mar. 2021, doi: 10.1007/s40692-020-00169-2.

H. Iroda, “Innovative educational technologies in teaching specialized subjects,” 2023. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.10157448.

L. C. Mâsse, I. Y. Edache, M. Pitblado, and S. M. Hutchison, “The Impact of Financial and Psychological Wellbeing on Children’s Physical Activity and Screen-Based Activities during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, vol. 18, no. 16, p. 8694, Aug. 2021, doi: 10.3390/ijerph18168694.

A. Alnagrat, R. Che Ismail, S. Z. Syed Idrus, and R. M. Abdulhafith Alfaqi, “A Review of Extended Reality (XR) Technologies in the Future of Human Education: Current Trend and Future Opportunity,” J. Hum. Centered Technol., vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 81–96, Aug. 2022, doi: 10.11113/humentech.v1n2.27.

Y. Wu, Y. Wang, S. Jung, S. Hoermann, and R. W. Lindeman, “Using a Fully Expressive Avatar to Collaborate in Virtual Reality: Evaluation of Task Performance, Presence, and Attraction,” Front. Virtual Real., vol. 2, Apr. 2021, doi: 10.3389/frvir.2021.641296.

A. Marougkas, C. Troussas, A. Krouska, and C. Sgouropoulou, “How personalized and effective is immersive virtual reality in education? A systematic literature review for the last decade,” Multimed. Tools Appl., vol. 83, no. 6, pp. 18185–18233, Jul. 2023, doi: 10.1007/s11042-023-15986-7.

M. El Hajji, T. Ait Baha, A. Berka, H. Ait Nacer, H. El Aouifi, and Y. Es-Saady, “An Architecture for Intelligent Tutoring in Virtual Reality: Integrating LLMs and Multimodal Interaction for Immersive Learning,” Information, vol. 16, no. 7, p. 556, Jun. 2025, doi: 10.3390/info16070556.

S. Sharma and S. Shrestha, “Integrating HCI Principles in AI: A Review of Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Applications and Challenges,” J. Futur. Artif. Intell. Technol., vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 309–317, Dec. 2024, doi: 10.62411/faith.3048-3719-47.

O. Zawacki-Richter, V. I. Marín, M. Bond, and F. Gouverneur, “Systematic review of research on artificial intelligence applications in higher education – where are the educators?,” Int. J. Educ. Technol. High. Educ., vol. 16, no. 1, p. 39, Dec. 2019, doi: 10.1186/s41239-019-0171-0.

J. A. Kulik and J. D. Fletcher, “Effectiveness of Intelligent Tutoring Systems,” Rev. Educ. Res., vol. 86, no. 1, pp. 42–78, Mar. 2016, doi: 10.3102/0034654315581420.

W.-Y. Lu and S.-C. Fan, “Developing a weather prediction project-based machine learning course in facilitating AI learning among high school students,” Comput. Educ. Artif. Intell., vol. 5, p. 100154, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.caeai.2023.100154.

A. Evwiekpaefe and L. Tohomdet, “A Bibliometric Analysis of Artificial Intelligence in Admissions and Administrative Processes in Higher Education,” NIPES - J. Sci. Technol. Res., vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 183–194, 2024, doi: 10.5281/zenodo.13887564.

M. T. Nguyen and T. T. Nguyen, “Advanced and AI Embedded Technologies in Education: Effectiveness, Recent Developments, and Opening Issues,” J. Futur. Artif. Intell. Technol., vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 191–200, Oct. 2024, doi: 10.62411/faith.3048-3719-19.

A. M. A. Al-Ansi, M. Jaboob, A. Garad, and A. M. A. Al-Ansi, “Analyzing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) recent development in education,” Soc. Sci. Humanit. Open, vol. 8, no. 1, p. 100532, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100532.

C. K. Tiwari, P. Bhaskar, and A. Pal, “Prospects of augmented reality and virtual reality for online education: a scientometric view,” Int. J. Educ. Manag., vol. 37, no. 5, pp. 1042–1066, Aug. 2023, doi: 10.1108/IJEM-10-2022-0407.

L. Bekteshi, “Education in the Era of AI and Immersive Technologies - A Systematic Review,” J. Res. Eng. Comput. Sci., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 01–14, Jan. 2025, doi: 10.63002/jrecs.31.779.

T. Sripan and P. Jeerapattanatorn, “Metaverse-based learning: A comprehensive review of current trends, challenges, and future implications,” Contemp. Educ. Technol., vol. 17, no. 3, p. ep584, Jul. 2025, doi: 10.30935/cedtech/16434.

K. Almeman, F. EL Ayeb, M. Berrima, B. Issaoui, and H. Morsy, “The Integration of AI and Metaverse in Education: A Systematic Literature Review,” Appl. Sci., vol. 15, no. 2, p. 863, Jan. 2025, doi: 10.3390/app15020863.

S. Wang, F. Wang, Z. Zhu, J. Wang, T. Tran, and Z. Du, “Artificial intelligence in education: A systematic literature review,” Expert Syst. Appl., vol. 252, p. 124167, Oct. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.eswa.2024.124167.

E. Voultsiou and L. Moussiades, “A systematic review of AI, VR, and LLM applications in special education: Opportunities, challenges, and future directions,” Educ. Inf. Technol., vol. 30, no. 13, pp. 19141–19181, Aug. 2025, doi: 10.1007/s10639-025-13550-4.

M. Y. Mustafa et al., “A systematic review of literature reviews on artificial intelligence in education (AIED): a roadmap to a future research agenda,” Smart Learn. Environ., vol. 11, no. 1, p. 59, Dec. 2024, doi: 10.1186/s40561-024-00350-5.

Y. Duan et al., “LatticeWorld: A Multimodal Large Language Model-Empowered Framework for Interactive Complex World Generation,” Arxiv. Sep. 08, 2025. [Online]. Available: http://arxiv.org/abs/2509.05263

J. L. D. Haynes, “Enter: Graduated Realism: A Pedagogical Framework for AI-Powered Avatars in Virtual Reality Teacher Training,” Arxiv. Jun. 13, 2025. [Online]. Available: http://arxiv.org/abs/2506.11890

R. G. Tobias, J. A. G. Lozano, M. L. M. Torres, J. A. Ramírez, G. M. Baldini, and K. Okoye, “AI and VR integration for enhancing ethical decision-making skills and competency of learners in higher education,” Int. J. STEM Educ., vol. 12, no. 1, p. 52, Oct. 2025, doi: 10.1186/s40594-025-00575-x.

Y. Song, K. Wu, and J. Ding, “Developing an immersive game-based learning platform with generative artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies – ‘LearningverseVR,’” Comput. Educ. X Real., vol. 4, p. 100069, 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.cexr.2024.100069.

M. Portuguez-Castro and H. Santos Garduño, “Beyond Traditional Classrooms: Comparing Virtual Reality Applications and Their Influence on Students’ Motivation,” Educ. Sci., vol. 14, no. 9, p. 963, Sep. 2024, doi: 10.3390/educsci14090963.

J. M. Keller, Motivational Design for Learning and Performance. Boston, MA: Springer US, 2010. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4419-1250-3.

Downloads

Published

2025-12-14

How to Cite

Evwiekpaefe, A. E., Chinyio, D. T., & Tohomdet, L. K. (2025). The Llama–ARCS Adaptive Learning framework: AI–VR Integration System for Real-Time Motivational Feedback in Higher Education. Journal of Computing Theories and Applications, 3(3), 260–273. https://doi.org/10.62411/jcta.15031