Finding the Gaps about Uses of Immersive Learning Environments: A Survey of Surveys

Dennis Beck (University of Arkansas, USA)

Leonel Morgado (Universidade Aberta, Portugal)

Patrick O'Shea (Appalachian State University, USA)

Abstract: Advancing the field of research in Immersive Learning Environments requires avoiding the pitfalls of previous educational technologies. Studies must consider the actual use of these environments and the context where it occurs, not simply the technocentric perspectives on these environments. This paper provides an overview and analysis of surveys on this topic, in order to map the field and find out which information on actual uses of Immersive Learning Environments are reported, and hence which gaps need to be covered towards a robust, encompassing knowledge on their relationship with learning. Collected accounts of use were clustered via thematic analysis and contrasted with research areas in learning and technology, highlighting the gaps in the field and serving as a blueprint for research agendas on uses of immersive learning environments.

Keywords: AR, VR, XR, augmented reality, extended reality, immersive, immersive learning, mixed reality, mmersive learning environments, practices, strategies, uses, virtual reality

Categories: A.1, L.3.0, L.3.6, L.5.0, L.5.1