3D Virtual Reality in K-12 Education: A Thematic Systematic Review

Abstract

With progressive twenty-first-century 3D virtual technologies, the ability to blur the lines between material reality and digital worlds is proliferating in K-12 classrooms across the globe. A thematic systematic review was used to examine three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR) in K-12 education from 2010 to 2019. Findings revealed specific features and capabilities of contemporary 3D VR technologies, how 3D VR technologies are being used in K-12 education, and how 3D VR supports learning experiences. In 3D virtual worlds, students are able to view peripherally through a virtual presence, experience weather, time, and different environments, and virtually touch and examine objects. The current research showed that 3D VR is commonly applied in middle and high school science classrooms and facilitates the pedagogic approach of inquiry-based learning (IBL), a branch of constructivism. The reviewed studies indicated that integrating 3D VR technologies leads to enhanced learning experiences, leading to increased achievement and motivation.