Challenges and Implications of Virtual Reality in History Education: A Systematic Review
Source abstract
Abstract
Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool for history education, offering immersive and interactive learning experiences. However, its implementation in educational settings presents several challenges that remain under-explored. This systematic review, conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, aims to identify the main technical, usability, economic, psychological, social, and ethical challenges associated with the use of VR in history teaching. A literature search was performed in the Scopus (Elsevier) database, retrieving 2794 studies, from which a final selection of 14 papers was made based on predefined eligibility criteria. The findings indicate that interoperability issues, high hardware and software requirements, and navigation difficulties hinder VR integration. Moreover, usability concerns, including complex interfaces and cognitive overload, affect both students and educators, emphasizing the need for specialized teacher training. Economic barriers, such as the high cost of VR equipment and software, limit accessibility in resource-constrained institutions. Additionally, psychological and social challenges, including user discomfort, confusion between reality and fiction, and ethical concerns, were identified. These findings highlight the necessity of addressing these limitations to optimize VR’s pedagogical potential in history education. Future research should focus on developing cost-effective solutions, enhancing usability, and designing comprehensive training programs to facilitate the effective adoption of VR in educational contexts.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Education and Learning Interventions · Educator Training and Historical Pedagogy
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Área de Másteres de Didáctica y Organización Escolar I, Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación y Humanidades, Universidad Internacional de La Rioja—UNIR, 26006 Logroño, Spain
Department de Didàctica de la Matemàtica, Facultat de Magisteri, Universitat de València, 46010 València, Spain
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