The Role of Gesture and Facial Expression in Supporting Online Collaborative Learning: A Virtual HVAC Installation Learning Case

10 pages•Published: June 2, 2026

Yuan Sun, Parth Bhadaniya and Masoud Gheisari

Abstract

Effective communication in the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) domain relies on both verbal and nonverbal modalities to convey complex spatial information and support collaborative tasks. While virtual collaborative learning environments create new opportunities for online and hybrid AEC education, they often rely on avatars and provide limited support for embodied cues, such as natural hand gestures and facial expressions, that are central to face-to-face collaboration. This study explores AEC students’ attitudes toward gesture and facial expression perception and examines their learning experiences in a gesture- and facial-expression–enabled virtual collaborative environment. A pilot study was conducted using FrameVR, a web-based virtual platform in which students collaboratively completed an HVAC air duct installation task while communicating through voice, text chat, and real-time webcam-based visualization of gestures and facial expressions. Post-activity surveys measured gesture perception, self-efficacy and motivation, and system usability. In addition, recorded session videos were reviewed to provide exploratory qualitative insights into students’ use of facial expressions during collaboration. Results indicate positive student attitudes toward gesture- and facial-expression–supported communication and suggest that the platform effectively supported collaborative learning. These findings highlight the potential of integrating embodied cues to enhance social presence and engagement in virtual AEC learning environments.

Keyphrases: construction education, facial expression, gesture, spatial communication, virtual collaborative learning

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference, vol 7, pages 368-377.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/8kRM
	https://doi.org/10.29007/nld7

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2026:Role_Gesture_Facial_Expression,
  author    = {Yuan Sun and Parth Bhadaniya and Masoud Gheisari},
  title     = {The Role of Gesture and Facial Expression in Supporting Online Collaborative Learning: A Virtual HVAC Installation Learning Case},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {7},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/8kRM},
  doi       = {10.29007/nld7},
  pages     = {368-377},
  year      = {2026}}

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