Delphi-Based Expert Evaluation of the XR2Learn Hybrid Instructional Design Framework for XR Education
Extended Reality (XR) has reshaped how learning can be structured, yet its integration into formal curricula continues to lag behind its technological potential. Established instructional design models such as ADDIE and ASSURE provide stable planning structures, but were not developed to address the spatial, embodied and interactive characteristics of immersive environments. The XR2Learn framework was developed to bridge this gap by combining structured instructional planning with XR-specific pedagogical considerations. This study presents a multi-round Delphi-based expert evaluation of XR2Learn, involving twenty specialists in instructional design and XR-enhanced education. Experts assessed the framework across four dimensions: validity, clarity, usability and suitability. Qualitative feedback was thematically analyzed and subsequently quantified to establish consensus. The findings show strong agreement regarding the framework’s pedagogical grounding, logical structure and alignment with established instructional design practices. At the same time, experts identified limitations related to practical enactment, accessibility and the explicit integration of XR-specific learning constructs such as presence and social interaction. Overall, the results position XR2Learn as a framework at a transitional stage, moving from conceptual formulation toward practical instructional use. The study provides the first systematic expert validation of XR2Learn and outlines targeted directions for its refinement as a robust instructional design framework for XR-based education.
Authors
- Theodora Kouvara
- I. Chatzigiannakis
- Alessandra Antonaci (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9157-4450)
- Vasilis Zafeiropoulos (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0120-0488)
- Maria Paola Conte (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8706-4901)
- Matteo Besenzoni (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7443-9034)
- Theofanis Orphanoudakis
- Christoforos Karachristos
- Silvia Giordano
- Sindi Devole
- Angelica Marsico
- Giorgos Anastasakis
Institutions
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (CH)
- Hellenic Open University (GR)
- University of West Attica (GR)
- Institute of Electronics, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering (IT)
- European Association of Distance Teaching Universities (NL)
- Sapienza University of Rome (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Computers
- Published
- 2026-02-19
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/computers15020131
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Augmented Reality Applications
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 46.84
Funders
- European Commission
- HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme