Immersive Virtual Reality in Secondary Education: The Need for Methodologically Diverse, Equity-Centered Research

• In Event: Thursday Roundtable Session 10:50 am
  In Roundtable Session: Leveraging Multiple and Mixed Methods for Equity-Centered STEM Research (Table 24)

Abstract

The commercial availability of immersive virtual reality (IVR) headsets has led to growing use of immersive technologies in secondary education, and an increase in research on IVR’s efficacy in classrooms. However, examination of the growing body of evidence reveals numerous complexities related to conducting and interpreting such research, many of which arise from the nature of IVR and its interactions with the needs and realities of students' identities and classroom learning. In this paper, we outline key methodological challenges that confound researchers’ ability to make broad claims about IVR’s efficacy for learning, as well as critical equity considerations that IVR researchers must be uniquely and acutely attuned to. We argue for the need for methodologically diverse, equity-centered IVR research.

Authors

• Sahara Pradhan, Collaborative for Educational Services

• Rebecca Mazur, Collaborative for Educational Services