Virtual reality educational scenarios for students with ASD: Instruments validation and design of STEM programmatic contents

Virtual Reality (VR) is making education more engaging and accessible, especially for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), promoting inclusion and the development of STEM skills in innovative ways. The literature still reveals a significant gap in terms of appropriate educational resources adapted to the specific needs of these students, resulting in difficulties in their inclusion. With the growing need for inclusive approaches in education, it is essential to find solutions to support these students. The aim of this study is to validate the data collection methodology that will enable the development of Virtual Learning Environments with STEM content for students with ASD. The Design Science Research (DSR) methodology was used to develop a VR artefact for students with ASD. In addition, the Delphi method was applied in the expert involvement phase, which will contribute to the validation of the artefact's specific requirements. Both will allow for an inclusive and distinctive approach to the development of an artefact, with the aim of offering an innovative educational experience, meeting the varied needs and learning styles of students with ASD, optimising the effectiveness of the proposed VLE. The results show a strong acceptance among experts, highlighting the potential positive impact of this approach, although there are aspects to be improved to ensure a more comprehensive and effective approach. This study highlights the successful validation of an innovative virtual reality programme for students with ASD, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the strong contribution to the advancement of inclusive education. • Virtual reality enables dynamic learning experiences tailored for autism spectrum disorder. • Real-time feedback in VR activities enhances student engagement and motivation. • Interactive VLEs promote a deeper understanding of STEM and complex educational topics. • Realistic VR simulations provide immersive experiences with abstract STEM concepts. • Virtual learning spaces improve cognitive, social and behavioural performance in education.