An Overview of Enhancing Distance Learning Through Emerging Augmented and Virtual Reality Technologies

Area of Science:

• Educational Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Distance learning offers advantages but presents significant educational challenges.
• Key issues include reduced social interaction, student engagement, comprehension, and instructor resource flexibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze the primary educational challenges of distance learning.
• To explore the potential of Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) technologies in mitigating these challenges.
• To outline future research directions for AR/VR in distance education.

Main Methods:

• Assessment of existing literature on distance learning challenges.
• Analysis of AR/VR technologies' capabilities and limitations in addressing identified issues.
• Identification of research gaps and future research needs.

Main Results:

• Four major challenges in distance learning were identified: lack of social interaction, reduced student engagement, decreased comprehension, and inflexible instructor resources.
• AR/VR technologies present potential solutions but have current limitations.
• Further research is needed to fully leverage AR/VR for enhanced distance learning.

Conclusions:

• AR/VR technologies offer promising avenues to overcome current distance learning limitations.
• Targeted research is crucial to optimize AR/VR integration for effective online education.
• Addressing engagement and comprehension through immersive tech is key for future distance learning.