# Examining the Role of LLM-Driven Interactions on Attention and Cognitive Engagement in Virtual Classrooms

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.07377 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2505.07377/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 12 of its 101 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 12 May 2025.

## Builds on (most cited first, 12 of 12)

- [Retrieval-Augmented Generation for Knowledge-Intensive NLP Tasks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2005.11401/) (2020)
- [A Survey of Large Language Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2303.18223/) (2023)
- [A Survey on Hallucination in Large Language Models: Principles, Taxonomy, Challenges, and Open Questions](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2311.05232/) (2023)
- [A Survey on Large Language Models for Recommendation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2305.19860/) (2023)
- [Practical and Ethical Challenges of Large Language Models in Education: A Systematic Scoping Review](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2303.13379/) (2023)
- [Generative Students: Using LLM-Simulated Student Profiles to Support Question Item Evaluation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2405.11591/) (2024)
- [Embedding Large Language Models into Extended Reality: Opportunities and Challenges for Inclusion, Engagement, and Privacy](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.03907/) (2024)
- [Eye-tracked Virtual Reality: A Comprehensive Survey on Methods and Privacy Challenges](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2305.14080/) (2023)
- [Digital Transformations of Classrooms in Virtual Reality](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2101.09576/) (2021)
- [A Ground-Truth Data Set and a Classification Algorithm for Eye Movements in 360-degree Videos](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1903.06474/) (2019)
- [Introduction to Eye Tracking: A Hands-On Tutorial for Students and Practitioners](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2404.15435/) (2024)
- [DataliVR: Transformation of Data Literacy Education through Virtual Reality with ChatGPT-Powered Enhancements](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2409.08738/) (2024)

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Improving Human Verification of LLM Reasoning through Interactive Explanation Interfaces](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2510.22922/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Transforming educational technologies through the integration of large language models (LLMs) and virtual reality (VR) offers the potential for immersive and interactive learning experiences. However, the effects of LLMs on user engagement and attention in educational environments remain open questions. In this study, we utilized a fully LLM-driven virtual learning environment, where peers and teachers were LLM-driven, to examine how students behaved in such settings. Specifically, we investigate how peer question-asking behaviors influenced student engagement, attention, cognitive load, and learning outcomes and found that, in conditions where LLM-driven peer learners asked questions, students exhibited more targeted visual scanpaths, with their attention directed toward the learning content, particularly in complex subjects. Our results suggest that peer questions did not introduce extraneous cognitive load directly, as the cognitive load is strongly correlated with increased attention to the learning material. Considering these findings, we provide design recommendations for optimizing VR learning spaces.