Title: S.P.E.C.I.A.L. - a conceptual framework to support learning in immersive environments

Authors: Benjamin Emihovich; Xinhao Xu; T. Logan Arrington

Addresses: Charter College of Education, California State University-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90032, USA ' School of Information Science and Learning Technologies, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA ' College of Education, University of West Georgia, Carrollton, Georgia 30118, USA

Abstract: Interactivity with computer-generated models in an immersive environment can have a wide range of applications in education such as training, vocabulary development, collaboration, and assessment. This paper presents conceptual syntheses and thematic analyses on the educational theories, strategies of cognitive development, and innovative assessments that support immersive environments for learning. The topics involved in this synthesised concept paper include Situated Learning, Play, Embodied Interactive Learning, Connectivism and Social Learning, and Immersive Assessments for Learning. Through this paper, the authors summarise and propose a conceptual framework for educational research scientists and practitioners to explore the design and implementation of any instructional activities associated with cognition, embodiment, problem-solving, and social skills featuring immersive environments, the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. framework. An interdisciplinary educational framework can guide future research and practice on the factors which support learning outcomes in immersive environments.

Keywords: immersive environment; virtual reality; situated learning; play; embodied interactive learning; connectivism; immersion; stealth assessment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSMARTTL.2020.112149

International Journal of Smart Technology and Learning, 2020 Vol.2 No.2/3, pp.182 - 197

Received: 01 Aug 2019
Accepted: 04 Aug 2020
Published online: 04 Jan 2021 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article