Extended Reality in Educational Innovation: Technological Advancements, Empirical Insights, and Future Directions

Dear Colleagues,

Extended Reality (XR) has emerged as a transformative force in education. As digital learning environments evolve, XR technologies offer immersive, interactive, and experiential learning opportunities that transcend traditional pedagogical boundaries. The urgency to integrate XR into educational systems has been accelerated by global shifts toward remote and hybrid learning, as well as the growing demand for personalized and engaging learning experiences. Despite its potential, the adoption of XR in education presents complex challenges, including technological infrastructure, pedagogical alignment, and empirical validation of learning outcomes.

This Special Issue aims to explore the current state and future trajectory of XR in education through a multidisciplinary lens. It seeks to gather high-quality research that investigates the design, implementation, and evaluation of XR-based learning environments. The Issue welcomes theoretical contributions, empirical studies, and case-based insights that address both the opportunities and limitations of XR in diverse educational contexts. By fostering dialog among researchers, educators, and technologists, this Issue aspires to advance the scholarly understanding and practical application of XR in education.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Empirical studies on XR-enhanced learning outcomes;
• Instructional design for immersive learning;
• XR in STEM, language, and vocational education;
• Accessibility and inclusivity in XR environments;
• Teacher training and professional development;
• XR-supported collaborative and social learning;
• Learning analytics in XR systems;
• XR in remote and hybrid learning;
• XR for special education (e.g., medical or military);
• Gamification and storytelling in XR;
• Future trends and emerging XR technologies;
• Educational equity and accessibility;
• Integration of AI and XR;
• XR hardware innovation.

Dr. Chinlun Lai
Dr. Yu-Hsuan Lin
Guest Editors

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