The impact of virtual reality on skills acquisition, retention, and transfer: A systematic review

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Abstract

This review analyzed 41 studies on the use of VR in facilitating skills development, including skills acquisition, retention and transfer. Specifically, we identified statistical and descriptive outcomes of VR impacting skills development and factors that potentially impact the process. The findings indicated that VR is generally positive for various skills acquisition and for retention of communication through language learning after exposure to VR learning environments. Additionally, VR positively contributes to transfer of problem-solving skills to gaming context. This review revealed several factors, including individual, psychological, technological, and contextual factors that might influence the extent of skill development process. The review concludes with recommendations on more research on long-term skills retention, cross-domain transferability after exposure to VR learning interventions.

Authors

• Yuchun Zhong, Education University of Hong Kong

• Kai Guo, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

• Lingran Xu, University of Sydney

• Luke K. Fryer, University of Hong Kong