Virtual Reality for Synchronous Learning in Higher Education

Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Virtual Reality Learning Environments (VRLEs) to empower education by providing immersive, interactive experiences that improve student engagement and learning outcomes. Our work aims at investigating VRLEs as a means for addressing the shortcomings of synchronous online education and supporting engaging and experiential learning activities in the context of higher education. We compare Desktop VR versus Immersive VR in synchronous, multiuser learning scenarios. Our field study has shown no significant differences with respect to the overall learning experience between the two experimental conditions although resulting in different levels of immersion.