Beyond Engagement: Integrating AR and VR for Inclusive Learning in K–Higher Education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61194/education.v3i1.630Keywords:
Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Immersive Learning, Educational Technology, Teacher Readiness, Inclusive Education, Digital PedagogyAbstract
This narrative review examines the integration of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies in education, with a focus on their impact, challenges, and implications for future research and policy. The study aims to evaluate how immersive learning environments contribute to improved engagement, conceptual understanding, skill development, and inclusivity across various educational levels. A systematic search of scholarly databases including Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ERIC was conducted using a combination of targeted keywords. Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2024 that analyzed AR/VR applications in formal education. The findings indicate that AR and VR significantly enhance motivation, academic performance, and practical competencies in students, especially within STEM, healthcare, and engineering disciplines. Comparative evidence shows notable advantages for learners using immersive tools versus traditional instruction. Furthermore, AR/VR applications support inclusive education by addressing the needs of students with learning difficulties. However, the review identifies persistent systemic barriers, including inadequate infrastructure, limited teacher training, and lack of strategic policy support, which impede broader adoption. This review underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policies, infrastructure investment, and sustained teacher development to harness the full potential of AR and VR in education. It calls for further interdisciplinary research to explore long-term outcomes, user experiences, and equitable access, thereby guiding effective integration of immersive technologies into future-ready educational systems.
References
Asino, T. I., Colston, N., Ibukun, A., & Abai, C. (2022). The Virtual Citizen Science Expo Hall: A Case Study of a Design-Based Project for Sustainability Education. Sustainability, 14(8), 4671. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084671 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084671
Babu, C. V. S., & Vinutha, S. (2024). Impact of AR/VR in the Learning Process of Children With Dyslexia. 161–188. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781394167586.ch8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781394167586.ch8
Bradford, H. M., Farley, C. L., Escobar, M., Heitzler, E. T., Tringali, T., & Walker, K. (2021). Rapid Curricular Innovations During COVID‐19 Clinical Suspension: Maintaining Student Engagement With Simulation Experiences. Journal of Midwifery & Women S Health, 66(3), 366–371. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmwh.13246 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jmwh.13246
Choi-Lundberg, D. L., Butler‐Henderson, K., Harman, K., & Crawford, J. (2023). A Systematic Review of Digital Innovations in Technology-Enhanced Learning Designs in Higher Education. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 133–162. https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.7615 DOI: https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.7615
Czok, V., Krug, M., Muller, S. R., Huwer, J., & Weitzel, H. (2023). Learning Effects of Augmented Reality and Game-Based Learning for Science Teaching in Higher Education in the Context of Education for Sustainable Development. Sustainability, 15(21), 15313. https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115313 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115313
Dede, D., Abdullah, A. G., Mulyanti, B., & Rohendi, D. (2018). Virtual Gasoline Engine Based on Augment Reality for Mechanical Engineering Education. Matec Web of Conferences, 197, 16002. https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201819716002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201819716002
Dede, D., Abdullah, M., Mulyanti, B., & Rohendi, D. (2019). Review TVET Learning Innovation: Augmented Reality Technology for Virtual 3D Laboratory. Journal of Physics Conference Series, 1402(7), 077062. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1402/7/077062 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1402/7/077062
Fiadotau, M., & Rajahonka, M. (2019). Micro-Trajectories: Small Firm Struggles at Boundaries Between Audiovisual and Education Sectors. 95–104. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-78769-977-920191012 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-78769-977-920191012
González-Brignardello, M. P., Paniagua, Á. S., & López-González, M. Á. (2024). Dimensions of Procrastination and Their Combined Impact on Academic Performance in Distance Education. Revista Iberoamericana De Psicología Y Salud, 15(2), 46–55. https://doi.org/10.23923/j.rips.2024.02.075 DOI: https://doi.org/10.23923/j.rips.2024.02.075
Hincapié, M., Díaz, C., Valencia-Arías, A., Contero, M., & Güemes‐Castorena, D. (2021). Educational Applications of Augmented Reality: A Bibliometric Study. Computers & Electrical Engineering, 93, 107289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compeleceng.2021.107289 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compeleceng.2021.107289
Lamberti, F., Hwang, G., Fernández‐Manjón, B., & Wang, W. (2018). Guest Editorial: Joint Special Issue on Innovation in Technologies for Educational Computing. Ieee Transactions on Learning Technologies, 11(1), 2–4. https://doi.org/10.1109/tlt.2018.2813860 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/TLT.2018.2813860
Lin, P.-Y., Chen, T. H., Lin, C.-J., Huang, C., Tsai, Y.-H., Tsai, Y.-L., & Wang, C. (2024). The Use of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in Dental Surgery Education and Practice: A Narrative Review. Journal of Dental Sciences, 19, S91–S101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jds.2024.10.011 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jds.2024.10.011
Liu, Y., Lu, S.-J., Kao, C.-Y., Chung, L., & Tan, K. H. (2019). Comparison of AR and Physical Experiential Learning Environment in Supporting Product Innovation. International Journal of Engineering Business Management, 11. https://doi.org/10.1177/1847979019839578 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1847979019839578
López, J. M. S., Sevillano-García-García, M. L., & Sevillano, M. Á. P. (2019). Application of the Ubiquitous Game With Augmented Reality in Primary Education. Comunicar, 27(61), 71–82. https://doi.org/10.3916/c61-2019-06 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3916/C61-2019-06
Lucena-Antón, D., Fernández-López, J. C., Pacheco-Serrano, A. I., García‐Muñoz, C., & Moral-Muñoz, J. A. (2022). Virtual and Augmented Reality Versus Traditional Methods for Teaching Physiotherapy: A Systematic Review. European Journal of Investigation in Health Psychology and Education, 12(12), 1780–1792. https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe12120125 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe12120125
Luis, C. E. M., Martín‐Gutiérrez, J., Díaz, B. A., & González-Marrero, A. (2017). Virtual Technologies Trends in Education. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics Science and Technology Education, 13(2). https://doi.org/10.12973/eurasia.2017.00626a DOI: https://doi.org/10.12973/eurasia.2017.00626a
Marks, B., & Thomas, J. (2021). Adoption of Virtual Reality Technology in Higher Education: An Evaluation of Five Teaching Semesters in a Purpose-Designed Laboratory. Education and Information Technologies, 27(1), 1287–1305. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10653-6 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10653-6
Naqvi, S., Rasool, S., Haider, F., Naqvi, F. R., & Zehra, M. (2024). Virtual Voyages: Exploring the Potential of VR/AR in Marine Education and Training. https://doi.org/10.2118/222589-ms DOI: https://doi.org/10.2118/222589-MS
Nazlidou, I., Efkolidis, N., Kakoulis, K. G., & Kyratsis, P. (2024). Innovative and Interactive Technologies in Creative Product Design Education: A Review. Multimodal Technologies and Interaction, 8(12), 107. https://doi.org/10.3390/mti8120107 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/mti8120107
Noah, N., & Das, S. (2021). Exploring Evolution of Augmented and Virtual Reality Education Space in 2020 Through Systematic Literature Review. Computer Animation and Virtual Worlds, 32(3–4). https://doi.org/10.1002/cav.2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cav.2020
Nosková, M., & Jelínková, E. (2023). Identificiranje Prilika Za Inoviranje Upravljanja Projektima U Obrazovanju U Digitalnom Dobu. Management, 28(Special Issue), 41–53. https://doi.org/10.30924/mjcmi.28.si.4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.30924/mjcmi.28.si.4
Pramanik, S. (2024). Immersive Innovations. 229–243. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-2857-6.ch013 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-2857-6.ch013
Puspasari, S., Suhandi, N., & Iman, J. N. (2021). Evaluation of Augmented Reality Application Development for Cultural Artefact Education. International Journal of Computing, 237–245. https://doi.org/10.47839/ijc.20.2.2171 DOI: https://doi.org/10.47839/ijc.20.2.2171
Tan, C. J., Cai, C., Ithnin, F., & Lew, E. (2022). Challenges and Innovations in Undergraduate Medical Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic – A Systematic Review. The Asia Pacific Scholar, 7(3), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.29060/taps.2022-7-3/oa2722 DOI: https://doi.org/10.29060/TAPS.2022-7-3/OA2722
Tang, Y., Liang, H., Yang, X., Xue, X., & Zhan, J. (2024). The Metaverse in Nuclear Medicine: Transformative Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions. Frontiers in Medicine, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2024.1459701 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2024.1459701
Varas, J., Coronel, B. V, Villagrán, I., Escalona, G., Hernández, R., Schuit, G., Espinoza, V. D., Lagos, A., Jarry, C., Neyem, A., & Achurra, P. (2023). Innovations in Surgical Training: Exploring the Role of Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models (LLM). Revista Do Colégio Brasileiro De Cirurgiões, 50. https://doi.org/10.1590/0100-6991e-20233605-en DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/0100-6991e-20233605-en
Wittek, A., Strizek, B., & Recker, F. (2024). Innovations in Ultrasound Training in Obstetrics. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 311(3), 871–880. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-024-07777-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-024-07777-8
Yanto, D. T. P. (2024). E-Worksheets With Augmented Reality Technology in Laboratory Learning: Examining Their Effectiveness on Students’ Learning Performance. International Journal of Information and Education Technology, 14(11), 1544–1553. https://doi.org/10.18178/ijiet.2024.14.11.2185 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18178/ijiet.2024.14.11.2185
Yeung, A. W. K., Parvanov, E. D., Hriberšek, M., Eibensteiner, F., Klager, E., Kletečka-Pulker, M., Rössler, B., Schebesta, K., Willschke, H., Atanasov, A. G., & Schaden, E. (2022). Digital Teaching in Medical Education: Scientific Literature Landscape Review. Jmir Medical Education, 8(1), e32747. https://doi.org/10.2196/32747 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2196/32747
Zhao, J., Xu, X., Jiang, H., & Ding, Y. (2020). The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Technology on Anatomy Teaching: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies. BMC Medical Education, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-020-1994-z DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-020-1994-z
Λαμπρόπουλος, Γ., Keramopoulos, E., Diamantaras, K., & Evangelidis, G. (2022). Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in Education: Public Perspectives, Sentiments, Attitudes, and Discourses. Education Sciences, 12(11), 798. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12110798 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12110798
Доброволска, Р., Моsendz, O., Symonenko, R., Manaylo-Prykhodko, V., & Zaitsev, V. (2023). Digitalization of the Educational Process in the Field of Culture and Art: Challenges and Prospects. Journal of Curriculum and Teaching, 12(5), 82. https://doi.org/10.5430/jct.v12n5p82 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5430/jct.v12n5p82
