20 June 2024 | Talia Tene, Jessica Alexandra Marcatoma Tixi, Maria de Lourdes Palacios Robalino, Maria José Mendoza Salazar, Cristian Vacacela Gomez, Stefano Bellucci
This systematic review examines the integration of immersive technologies, particularly Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. The review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the impact of these technologies on student performance and engagement. Using PRISMA guidelines, the study identified 143 articles from Scopus and Web of Science databases, with 22 articles meeting the inclusion criteria for detailed analysis. The findings indicate that AR is the most studied technology, followed by VR, and most studies reported positive effects on student engagement and performance. The review also highlights the need for a globally inclusive and adaptable framework to support rapid technological evolution and diverse educational contexts. The integration of immersive technologies is reshaping STEM education by enhancing engagement and performance, offering improved comprehension of complex concepts, increased student motivation, and enriched collaborative learning experiences. However, the field requires further research to address challenges such as infrastructural limitations, financial constraints, and the need for comprehensive teacher training. Future research should broaden its scope to include multilingual literature and focus on long-term effects on learning outcomes.This systematic review examines the integration of immersive technologies, particularly Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. The review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the impact of these technologies on student performance and engagement. Using PRISMA guidelines, the study identified 143 articles from Scopus and Web of Science databases, with 22 articles meeting the inclusion criteria for detailed analysis. The findings indicate that AR is the most studied technology, followed by VR, and most studies reported positive effects on student engagement and performance. The review also highlights the need for a globally inclusive and adaptable framework to support rapid technological evolution and diverse educational contexts. The integration of immersive technologies is reshaping STEM education by enhancing engagement and performance, offering improved comprehension of complex concepts, increased student motivation, and enriched collaborative learning experiences. However, the field requires further research to address challenges such as infrastructural limitations, financial constraints, and the need for comprehensive teacher training. Future research should broaden its scope to include multilingual literature and focus on long-term effects on learning outcomes.