The Role of Immersive Virtual Realities: Enhancing Science Learning in Higher Education

Objective: This systematic review aims to map out the role of immersive technologies, specifically virtual and augmented realities (VR and AR), in enhancing learning outcomes within higher education science programs, providing a clearer understanding of their pedagogical value. Methods: Leveraging e...

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Main Authors: Talia Tene, Marco Guevara, Gabriel Moreano, John Vera, Cristian Vacacela Gomez
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Ital Publication 2024-04-01
Series:Emerging Science Journal
Subjects:
Online Access:https://ijournalse.org/index.php/ESJ/article/view/2161
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author Talia Tene
Marco Guevara
Gabriel Moreano
John Vera
Cristian Vacacela Gomez
author_facet Talia Tene
Marco Guevara
Gabriel Moreano
John Vera
Cristian Vacacela Gomez
author_sort Talia Tene
collection DOAJ
description Objective: This systematic review aims to map out the role of immersive technologies, specifically virtual and augmented realities (VR and AR), in enhancing learning outcomes within higher education science programs, providing a clearer understanding of their pedagogical value. Methods: Leveraging extensive database searches in Scopus and Web of Science, an initial phase of 172 articles was identified. Through a meticulous process of screening based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, this was refined to 33 important articles. These articles were further analyzed to identify distinct structural elements regarding VR and AR interventions and their effects on educational outcomes. Analysis: Each study was evaluated for its contribution to pedagogical methods, with a focus on quantifiable changes in student performance and engagement. Results: The analysis revealed that immersive technologies are being applied across various stages of the academic crossing, from introductory courses to advanced laboratory work. Particularly, 18 articles demonstrated a significant positive or increased impact on learning outcomes. Conclusions: The review confirms that VR and AR possess a transformative potential for higher education, particularly in the sciences. These technologies not only captivate students' interest but also facilitate deeper understanding and retention of complex material. The evidence suggests that VR and AR can substantially enhance the educational experience when implemented thoughtfully. Future research should aim to expand upon these findings, exploring the longitudinal impact of immersive technologies on learning and their potential to democratize education.   Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-SIED1-06 Full Text: PDF
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spelling doaj-art-ab348e944f2d4c2389bee0d47b8224d62025-08-20T02:12:38ZengItal PublicationEmerging Science Journal2610-91822024-04-01808810210.28991/ESJ-2024-SIED1-06648The Role of Immersive Virtual Realities: Enhancing Science Learning in Higher EducationTalia Tene0Marco Guevara1Gabriel Moreano2John Vera3Cristian Vacacela Gomez4Department of Chemistry, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, 110160 Loja,Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH), Riobamba 060155,Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH), Riobamba 060155,Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH), Riobamba 060155,INFN-Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, Via E. Fermi 54, I-00044 Frascati,Objective: This systematic review aims to map out the role of immersive technologies, specifically virtual and augmented realities (VR and AR), in enhancing learning outcomes within higher education science programs, providing a clearer understanding of their pedagogical value. Methods: Leveraging extensive database searches in Scopus and Web of Science, an initial phase of 172 articles was identified. Through a meticulous process of screening based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, this was refined to 33 important articles. These articles were further analyzed to identify distinct structural elements regarding VR and AR interventions and their effects on educational outcomes. Analysis: Each study was evaluated for its contribution to pedagogical methods, with a focus on quantifiable changes in student performance and engagement. Results: The analysis revealed that immersive technologies are being applied across various stages of the academic crossing, from introductory courses to advanced laboratory work. Particularly, 18 articles demonstrated a significant positive or increased impact on learning outcomes. Conclusions: The review confirms that VR and AR possess a transformative potential for higher education, particularly in the sciences. These technologies not only captivate students' interest but also facilitate deeper understanding and retention of complex material. The evidence suggests that VR and AR can substantially enhance the educational experience when implemented thoughtfully. Future research should aim to expand upon these findings, exploring the longitudinal impact of immersive technologies on learning and their potential to democratize education.   Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-SIED1-06 Full Text: PDFhttps://ijournalse.org/index.php/ESJ/article/view/2161immersive technologiesvirtual realityaugmented realityhigher educationsciencesteaching and learning.
spellingShingle Talia Tene
Marco Guevara
Gabriel Moreano
John Vera
Cristian Vacacela Gomez
The Role of Immersive Virtual Realities: Enhancing Science Learning in Higher Education
Emerging Science Journal
immersive technologies
virtual reality
augmented reality
higher education
sciences
teaching and learning.
title The Role of Immersive Virtual Realities: Enhancing Science Learning in Higher Education
title_full The Role of Immersive Virtual Realities: Enhancing Science Learning in Higher Education
title_fullStr The Role of Immersive Virtual Realities: Enhancing Science Learning in Higher Education
title_full_unstemmed The Role of Immersive Virtual Realities: Enhancing Science Learning in Higher Education
title_short The Role of Immersive Virtual Realities: Enhancing Science Learning in Higher Education
title_sort role of immersive virtual realities enhancing science learning in higher education
topic immersive technologies
virtual reality
augmented reality
higher education
sciences
teaching and learning.
url https://ijournalse.org/index.php/ESJ/article/view/2161
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