Immersive Learning Frameworks: A Systematic Literature Review

TL;DR

This systematic review analyzes the current state of immersive learning frameworks, categorizing their purposes and elements, identifying gaps, and proposing a research roadmap to enhance practical application and development support.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive categorization of immersive learning frameworks and highlights the need for more practical, technical frameworks to support educators and developers.

Findings

Most frameworks are models analyzing causal relationships in immersive learning.

The field lacks practical frameworks addressing technical development and teacher support.

Identified gaps lead to a proposed research roadmap.

Abstract

Contribution: This secondary study examines the literature on immersive learning frameworks and reviews their state of the art. Frameworks have been categorized according to their purpose. In addition, the elements that compose them were also categorized. Some gaps were identified and proposed as a research roadmap. Background: Immersive technologies for education have been used for some years. Despite this, there are few works that aim to support the development and use of virtual environments for immersive learning. Research Questions: This systematic review has the following main research question: What is the state of the art of immersive learning frameworks? In order to answer this question, secondary research questions were defined: 1) what definitions of immersive learning were adopted in primary studies? 2) what are the purposes of use by the frameworks? 3) what are the elements that compose the frameworks? 4) what are the methods used to validate the frameworks? Methodology: As per the systematic review guidelines, this study followed a rigorous and replicable process for collecting and analyzing data. From 1721 articles identified in the search engines, 15 were selected after the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Findings: Most frameworks are models that investigate the causal relationship between immersive learning factors that influence learning outcomes. Although this theoretical aspect is important for the advancement of research, the area still lacks more practical frameworks that address more technical details and support development, as well as the use of immersive virtual environments by teachers and instructors.