Aligning Educational Objectives with XR Technology in Schools

Author: By Shai Coggins, MTeach, MSocSci, BSc

Date: 26th Jun 2024

Integrating XR technology and immersive learning in schools involves several important considerations to ensure effective, equitable, and sustainable implementation. The first and most important consideration when looking at XR integration is how the technologies will meet educational objectives. 

To effectively integrate XR into the curriculum and meet learning objectives, educators can start by identifying the specific learning gaps you aim to address. These gaps can be categorised as:

Knowledge Gaps

Knowledge Gaps refer to areas where students lack essential information or understanding, which can hinder academic progress and the ability to grasp more advanced concepts. XR technologies can help bridge these gaps by providing immersive and interactive learning experiences that enhance comprehension and retention.

Studies have shown that using XR in the classroom improves student learning outcomes and academic achievement across various subjects (Coban, Bolat, & Goksu, 2022). VR, in particular, allows for more effective knowledge transfer and retention in both short-term and long-term applications, helping students gain a better understanding of subjects compared to traditional methods (Makransky & Mayer, 2022; Krajčovič et al., 2021). By making learning more engaging and interactive, XR can significantly enhance the educational experience and address knowledge gaps effectively.

Example IMVR apps for addressing Knowledge Gaps: The Body VR (Science), Google Earth VR (Geography), Nefertari: Journey To Eternity (History)

Student engagement using virtual reality at Grange with three students wearing virtual reality headsets and screen depicting where they are visiting in Google Earth: Tokyo Disneyland in Japan

Attitude Gaps

Attitude Gaps refer to differences in students’ perceptions, beliefs, or feelings towards a subject, concept, or skill. These gaps can significantly impact learning outcomes and student engagement. For instance, students might have a negative attitude toward mathematics, perceiving it as difficult or irrelevant, which can hinder their willingness to engage with the subject. XR can address these attitude gaps in several effective ways.

One powerful use of XR is in improving student engagement and motivation. Engagement is strongly correlated with academic achievement (Lei, Cui & Zhou, 2018), making it a crucial element in the learning process. XR can make learning more interactive and enjoyable, thus increasing student engagement.

XR can also be used to develop empathy towards certain topics, such as homelessness. A study by Herrera et al. (2018) found that VR experiences can significantly increase empathy. Another study by Abadia, Calvert, and Dasika (2019) also supports the use of VR in developing student empathy and enhancing learning. By immersing students in different perspectives and scenarios, XR can transform attitudes and deepen understanding.

Example LLL Use Cases: Increasing Empathy in VR: Smart Classroom Use Case and Improving Student Engagement in Geography

Example IMVR apps for addressing Attitude Gaps: The Book of Distance, 1943 Berlin Blitz, Nature Treks VR

Skills Gaps

Skills Gaps refer to areas where students need to acquire or improve specific skills, whether cognitive, technical, or essential. XR technologies can help bridge these gaps by providing realistic, hands-on practice in a controlled and supportive environment.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of VR technologies in learning, retaining, and applying skills. For example, VR has been shown to be beneficial in medical and engineering training (Moro et al., 2017; Makransky & Lilleholt, 2018). Additionally, VR is effective in developing essential skills such as collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving (Hung et al., 2023; Rong et al., 2022). By offering immersive and interactive experiences, XR can significantly enhance skill development in various areas.

Example LLL Use Case: Youth Job Readiness Using XR Pilot Study

Example IMVR apps for addressing Skills Gaps: Work Window, Arkio, Dissection Simulator

Goolwa Work Window-Job Readiness-Lumination Learning Lab

By identifying specific gaps in knowledge, skills, and attitudes through a needs assessment prior to implementing immersive learning in the classroom, educators can effectively tailor XR technologies and content to address these areas. Understanding the learning needs that XR can address allows for the strategic selection and implementation of XR tools that directly target these needs. For example, immersive VR simulations can enhance understanding of complex concepts, while realistic XR scenarios can develop essential skills like teamwork and problem-solving. Additionally, engaging XR experiences can transform negative attitudes towards challenging subjects, increasing motivation and engagement.

Tailoring XR content and immersive learning design to these identified gaps ensures purposeful and effective use of the technology, leading to improved educational outcomes. By aligning XR integration with educational objectives, schools can maximise the benefits of these innovative technologies, making learning more impactful and enjoyable for students.


Transforming the classroom with XR Technology

Discover how XR technologies can transform your classroom and enhance student learning. Reach out today to discover how your school can effectively integrate XR technologies into the curriculum.

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