CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF IMMERSIVE LEARNING IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Immersive learning leverages advanced technologies like virtual and augmented reality to create interactive and engaging three-dimensional learning environments. While there are many benefits of immersive learning, adoption, and use remain minimal in developing countries. Bibliometric analysis followed by a systematic literature review was conducted, and the study found that few developing countries are actively investigating immersive learning. Challenges identified include infrastructural issues, a lack of skills or expertise, and the absence of a well-structured curriculum for integrating these technologies into learning. The study also highlighted several opportunities including the promotion of lifelong learning, improved access to education, enabling engaging and flexible teaching pedagogies, hands-on experiential methods, creation of educational policy on immersive learning, improving self-efficacy, and encouraging global academic collaboration. The study notes the need for more studies to support educators and students in developing countries, and a framework to support curriculum design and development.