The role of virtual reality in enhancing educational outcomes across disciplines
Enitan Shukurat Animashaun, Babajide Tolulope Familoni, Nneamaka Chisom Onyebuchi
Abstract
This review paper examines the transformative role of Virtual Reality (VR) in enhancing educational outcomes across various disciplines, grounded in key learning theories such as constructivism, experiential learning, and situated learning theory. It outlines VR's applications in STEM, humanities and social sciences, and medical and health education, showcasing its capacity to provide immersive, interactive learning experiences. Despite its potential, the paper also addresses the challenges and limitations of VR's accessibility, technical constraints, and pedagogical integration. Future directions suggest the need for research on VR's long-term educational impacts and the development of advanced technologies for improved interactivity and accessibility. The review concludes with a call to action for further exploration and adoption of VR in education, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize learning experiences and outcomes. Keywords: Virtual Reality, Educational Outcomes, Immersive Learning, Accessibility, Pedagogical Integration, Technological Advancements.