Current Status, Problems, and Countermeasures of the Application of Virtual Reality (VR) Technology in Higher Education Teaching

Weidan Lu

doi:10.70088/ycxmx260

Authors

Weidan Lu Hebei Oriental College, Langfang, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70088/ycxmx260

Keywords:

virtual reality, higher education, educational technology

Abstract

Virtual reality technology has emerged as a transformative force in higher education, promising immersive, experiential, and learner-centered pedagogical models. This review synthesizes the current landscape of VR integration across universities worldwide, identifying persistent gaps between technological capability and educational implementation. While early adoption demonstrates measurable gains in student engagement, knowledge retention, and skill acquisition---particularly in STEM, medicine, and design disciplines---systemic barriers remain deeply entrenched. These include infrastructural limitations, faculty readiness deficits, pedagogical misalignment, assessment ambiguities, and ethical concerns surrounding data privacy and cognitive load. Drawing on cross-institutional patterns and longitudinal implementation reports, this paper organizes evidence around two interlocking thematic axes: the evolving affordances of VR hardware-software ecosystems in academic contexts, and the institutional, curricular, and human factors that mediate or obstruct their effective deployment. We argue that sustainable advancement hinges not on technological escalation alone, but on co-designed frameworks that prioritize pedagogical integrity, equity of access, and iterative educator-led development. The review concludes with actionable pathways for policy, practice, and research aimed at transitioning VR from episodic novelty to embedded educational infrastructure.

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