Exploring the horizon: a comprehensive systematic literature review on student engagement in the metaverse

Purpose The purpose of this study is to systematically review the literature on student engagement in the metaverse, a virtual environment that integrates augmented reality and virtual reality. Design/methodology/approach This research used a tripartite model to analyze relevant scholarly works. This study cantered on examining the elements that lead to student involvement in the metaverse by focusing on three complex dimensions: cognitive, emotional and behavioral components of engagement. This review paper conducted an extensive examination of pertinent research publications, integrating the results, pinpointing areas where the existing knowledge is lacking and offering suggestions for future studies and applications. Findings The findings indicate that there are several aspects that impact student engagement in the metaverse. These factors encompass the immersive characteristics of the environment, social interactions, individualized learning experiences and the incorporation of gamification components. Originality/value This review adds to the existing scholarly discourse on student engagement in technology enhanced learning settings and emphasizes the potential of the metaverse as a novel platform for facilitating significant and immersive educational experiences.