Exploring the Acceptance of AI Video Technology in Distance Learning Environments

Abstract: This study investigates whether AI-generated instructor-cloned avatars can replicate the social presence of human instructors in online education. Grounded in social presence theory, uncanny valley theory, and technology acceptance theory, we conducted a qualitative case study involving college students enrolled in an online course. Participants experienced two online learning modules: one taught by a human instructor and another presented by an AI avatar closely mimicking the instructor's appearance and voice. Semi-structured interviews revealed that students reported higher engagement with the human instructor, attributing this to authentic interactions and personal connections. Interactions with the AI avatar often felt detached, and some students experienced discomfort due to its near-human appearance. Although there was a moderate acceptance of this technology for its advantages in scalability and accessibility, the findings underscore the current limitations of AI video technology in replicating subtle human behaviors essential for effective learning. The findings also highlight the need for guidelines to ensure the responsible use of AI video technology in educational settings.