Virtual Reality or Videoconferencing for Online Learning? Evidence from Comparative Meta-Analyses

This study compares the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) and videoconferencing (VC) platforms for online learning. Comparative meta-analyses of 29 articles from 2003 to 2023 (15 for VR, 14 for VC) revealed that both technologies positively affect learning outcomes, with VR demonstrating a large...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yan Zhang, Heng Luo, Shiqing Peng, Xue Han
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/11/6293
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:This study compares the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) and videoconferencing (VC) platforms for online learning. Comparative meta-analyses of 29 articles from 2003 to 2023 (15 for VR, 14 for VC) revealed that both technologies positively affect learning outcomes, with VR demonstrating a larger effect size (ES = 0.913) compared with VC (ES = 0.284). VR proved more beneficial in regular-sized classes, especially for natural science subjects, and excelled in experiential or collaborative learning environments. VC showed a greater impact in smaller classes, with significant variations depending on the program brand and camera options; it also favored natural science. These findings provide valuable guidance for educators and learners in choosing the most suitable technology for different online learning scenarios and shed light on future research in this field.
ISSN:2076-3417