Immersive technologies are assumed to have many benefits for learning due to their potential positive impact on optimizing learners' cognitive load and fostering intrinsic motivation. However, despite promising results, the findings regarding the actual impact on learning remain inconclusive, raising questions about the determinants of efficacy.…

Background: The importance of spatial abilities for individuals' success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) domains has been well established. Researchers have also emphasized the need to train engineering students in spatial ability. Although virtual reality (VR) offers prospects for training spatial abilities, research…

Computer-based simulation is utilised across various educational fields, employing diverse technologies to facilitate practical understanding of content and the acquisition of skills that can help close the gap between theory and practice. The possibility of providing scenarios that resemble on-the-job tasks, enables instructors to both train and…

Virtual reality (VR) has become a promising tool for enhancing social skills in special education, K-12 education, and post-secondary education. However, there is a lack of comprehensive meta-analyses examining the effectiveness of VR social skills training and the factors that moderate its efficacy. In this study, a meta-analysis approach was…

The evolving complexity of Virtual Reality (VR) technologies necessitates an in-depth investigation of the VR features and their specific utility. Although VR is utilized across various skill-training applications, its successful deployment depends on both technical maturity and context-specific suitability. A comprehensive understanding of…

Recently, there has been a growing interest in the potential of virtual reality-based teacher training (VRBTT). Despite this surge, the impact of VRBTT on teacher training outcomes remains unclear and cannot be generalized from generic VR-based training approaches. This study aimed to evaluate the overall effects of VRBTT and explore potentially…

The present research is an examination of Augmented Reality (AR) applications in Science Education using the Multi-complementary Approach (McA). This incorporates multiple analyses: i) Pre-complementary: meta-analysis and meta-thematic analysis, ii) Post-complementary: an experimental design with a pre- and post-test control group and iii)…

Research into the use of virtual reality (VR) for educational purposes is increasing, but most of the existing literature focuses on the positive effects of VR on users, with its possible negative effects remaining underexplored. An inadequate understanding of the negative effects can put users at risk. To address this research gap, the main…

Metaverse is a technology which allow users to "experience" a digital universe and includes several components like augmented and virtual reality. Researchers who wish to research the field may not know where to start or the key features of the field. Thus, the present study aims to discuss the general and social, conceptual, and…

Today, the global prevalence of autism is high and continues to increase dramatically. Effective support and interventions are therefore warranted. Augmented reality (AR), one of the recent modalities of immersive technology, is gaining traction in autism interventions. However, there is currently a lack of reviews on the use of AR in children…

There is a growing interest in using Augmented Reality technologies in education due to common perceived advantages like its accessibility and the increase in academical performance and motivation it promotes. Yet, most research done does not offer a deeper analysis of how AR technologies are used to reach different educational goals or the…

Among the numerous fields permeated by Virtual Reality (VR), this review focuses on education and specifically, engineering education. VR allows engineering students to safely and cost-efficiently experience realistic yet simulated environments otherwise inaccessible, costly and/or dangerous. The feelings of presence and immersion generated by VR…

Augmented Reality has found extensive use as an interactive technology in various learning and educational environments. However, a previous systematic review (SR) lacked a framework to identify the various types of augmented reality utilized, the types of technology employed, and the types of augmented parameters involved. The primary objective…

The metaverse has the potential to revolutionise education in several ways. It can provide students with immersive learning experiences, allowing them to explore and interact with virtual worlds and objects that are difficult or impossible to replicate in the real world. Yet, studies investigating the impact of the metaverse on students' skills…

Teachers are increasingly using augmented reality (AR) to develop students' higher-order thinking (HOT). As past studies showed mixed results, our "random effects meta-analysis" of 21 effect sizes from 17 studies of 1256 participants determined the overall effect of AR on HOT and accounted for differences across studies via moderator…