Review 2024

On the role of virtual reality in engineering education: a systematic literature review of experimental research (2011–2022)

ZE
Zontou, Evangelia
 KS
Kaminaris, Stavros D.
 RM
Rangoussi, Maria
European Journal of Engineering Education
Journal · Vol. 49 · Issue 5 · pp. 856-888
Abstract

Among the numerous fields permeated by Virtual Reality (VR), this review focuses on education and specifically, engineering education. VR allows engineering students to safely and cost-efficiently experience realistic yet simulated environments otherwise inaccessible, costly and/or dangerous. The feelings of presence and immersion generated by VR help motivate and engage students both in the theoretic and the hands-on laboratory parts of their studies. In this systematic review, 104 journal publications are selected and analyzed to cover research questions along five major axes (VR popularity; VR technology; VR-based intervention features; educational methods and assessment of learning outcomes; open research issues). Results reveal an increasing interest in this field, with equal usage of 2D and 3D VR systems. Active and experiential learning methods dominate on the pedagogical axis and aim to develop cognitive and metacognitive skills. Positive effects of VR on student learning across multiple domains verify the potential of VR to improve engineering education. © 2024 SEFI.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Engineering education Virtual reality learning outcomes Educational Interventions educational methods hands-on Laboratories

Index Keywords

E-learning Learning systems Learning outcome Engineering education Systematic literature review Systematic Review Students Virtual reality Cost engineering Educational intervention Journal publication Educational method Experimental research Feeling of presences Hands-on laboratories Simulated environment
Author Affiliations
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of West Attica, Athens, Attica, Greece
Funding & Acknowledgements
No funding information
References 10 References
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