Introducing Immersive Learning into Special Education Settings: A Comparative Review of Two Studies

Abstract

Immersive learning aims to create virtual environments for educational purposes with the facilitation of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and similar interactive multimedia technologies. These safe, interactive, manipulative and repeatable virtual learning environments have been widely used in general education settings. In this chapter, two pioneering studies conducted by Centre for Innovative Applications of Internet and Multimedia Technologies (AIMtech Centre) at City University of Hong Kong that aimed to introduce immersive learning into special education settings are reviewed. The two studies employed immersive learning approaches to cater two different groups of children with special education needs, namely children with severe intellectual disability (SID) and those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) respectively. Specifically, the immersive learning environment, instructional and pedagogical design, assessment and evaluation methodology and other aspects relevant to these two studies are reviewed and compared in contrast with the delivery of immersive learning in general education settings in order to provide insights and general guidelines for introducing immersive learning into special education settings.