Opportunities overcome challenges in adopting immersive virtual reality in online learning

The use of immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) has witnessed an increasing demand in online learning, though challenges are slowing its adoption. This paper presents a scoping review on the deployment of IVR in online learning: its utilisation, challenges, and opportunities. The study reveals that IVR is mainly used to provide remote access to learning experiences, improve cognitive, affective and skills outcomes, and simulate experiences that are often available in traditional classrooms. Hardware-related issues are among the greatest challenges for the ubiquitous use of IVRs in online learning, with internet access being cited as the primary concern. Cost of hardware, physical side-effects, software design and amount of educator training required have also been raised as common challenges. The analysis of the reported opportunities revealed that the increasing availability of VR technologies shows the potential to overcome these challenges associated with hardware, where smartphone devices are still considered the most accessible and scalable tool. In addition, the increasing availability of modelling software creates an opportunity for faster and cheaper development of VR applications. Furthermore, the use of IVR in online learning presents solutions to common online learning issues associated with reduced student engagement and learning, access to work-based activities and lack of connectedness.