Narrative Inquiry into the Challenges of Implementing XR Technologies in Education: Voices from Future Hub 2023

Abstract

This research explores the multifaceted challenges and opportunities inherent in the integration of Extended Reality (XR) technologies—comprising Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR)—within educational contexts. Utilizing a narrative inquiry methodology, this study draws upon the experiences and perspectives of participants at the Future Hub Forum 2023, a gathering of researchers, educators, and technologists specializing in immersive learning technologies. Through the collection and analysis of narrative materials, including interviews, presentations, and observational data, the study aims to elucidate the complex interplay of technological, pedagogical, and infrastructural challenges that influence the adoption and effective use of XR technologies in education. Key findings reveal significant barriers to widespread XR integration, including issues of access and affordability, which exacerbate existing digital divides; challenges in training and securing buy-in from stakeholders; content creation and deployment hurdles; and infrastructural and administrative obstacles. Despite these challenges, the study also uncovers a collective optimism about the transformative potential of XR technologies to revolutionize pedagogical approaches and learning outcomes, provided these barriers can be overcome. The implications of this research extend beyond the immediate context of XR technology implementation, offering insights into broader questions of educational equity, the evolving landscape of digital pedagogy, and the future of immersive learning experiences. By highlighting the voices and experiences of those at the forefront of XR adoption in education, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the conditions necessary for the successful integration of these technologies into diverse educational settings. Through its narrative approach, the study also underscores the value of storytelling and personal narratives in uncovering the nuanced realities of educational technology adoption, offering a rich, contextualized perspective that quantitative methods alone may not capture.