What makes spherical video virtual reality popular in education? Evidence from a meta-analysis employing Stata

The widespread diffusion of portable tablets and 5G technology heralded a new era of mobile-assisted language learning. Educators and practitioners have shown keen interest in introducing spherical video virtual reality to facilitate pedagogical practices. Although a substantial number of empirical studies have been carried out to observe the effectiveness of SVVR-assisted education, scant attention has been given to synthesizing the effect sizes. To complement the missing link, this study aims to examine the overall effect of SVVR in interactive learning environments. Through a meta-analysis using Stata/SE 16 and Stata/MP 18, the current study has investigated the effects of eleven moderators on SVVR-assisted learning outcomes. From embodied cognitive linguistics standpoint, SVVR technology enhanced embodied pedagogy with 4E cognition functions as the theoretical framework. Meta-analytic procedures include literature filtration, publication bias detection, sensitivity analysis, and moderator analysis. The results of the overall effect were (SMD = 0.564, p < 0.001), indicating SVVR could enhance the overall learning outcomes at a statistically significant level. It is concluded that SVVR technologies exert a positive influence at all educational levels on creativity, critical thinking, learning achievements, learning motivation, problem-solving ability, self-efficacy, and sense of presence, despite some unsignificant effects on cognitive load, engagement, and learning attitudes. The findings shed light on future research on SVVR to expand the sample size and adopt multiple research methods. Future study is encouraged to incorporate an advanced head-mounted display Apple Vision Pro to enhance educational outcomes.