Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in Education: A Comprehensive Review

Authors

  • K.M.H.L.Konara Department of Information and Communication Technology, Faculty of Technological Studies, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, Badulla
  • G.K.Dilani Department of Information and Communication Technology, Faculty of Technological Studies, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, Badulla
  • T.M.H.C. Peiris Department of Information and Communication Technology, Faculty of Technological Studies, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, Badulla
  • R.M.R. Dileka Department of Information and Communication Technology, Faculty of Technological Studies, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, Badulla
  • T.P.Rathnayaka Department of Information and Communication Technology, Faculty of Technological Studies, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, Badulla
  • WMCJT Kithulwatta Faculty of Technological Studies, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
  • R.M.D. Jayathilake Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo
  • YNS Wijewardana Department of Engineering Technology, Faculty of Technological Studies, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, Badulla
  • Dr. H.M.C.C.Somarathna Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
  • Prof. R.M.K.T. Rathnayake Department of Physical Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya

Keywords:

Augmented Reality, Education, Instructional Technology, Simulation, Virtual Reality

Abstract

Now the world is fully moving towards a digitalized environment in all kinds of disciplines in education, agriculture, the banking industry, transportation, healthcare, etc., with the most prominent and trending topics. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies are contemporary tools that are gradually changing learning processes among plenty of newly arrived technologies. These tools enable educators, including lecturers, teachers, tutors, and instructors, to address their audiences creatively with ideas that are useful for learning purposes. This research study focuses on the effectiveness of AR and VR in classroom learning and discusses the tools' effects on access, retention, and collaborative learning. The study was nourished with thirty scholarly articles for the core review process and supplementary articles for designing the review process from reputed academic research databases. The research study observed on main educational aspects of the AR and VR concept, including virtual classrooms, AR labs, corporate training, facilities for special needs students, collaborative work, etc. Furthermore, the research study discusses cost-related issues, technical issues, ethical issues, and new directions, which entail combining Artificial Intelligence (AI) and increasing global availability. Therefore, while highlighting what has not yet been accomplished by AR and VR, this work focuses on the potential of true transformation of learning and education processes as tools for meaningful, effective, and accessible education. Finally, this research study obtained knowledge summarization and synthesis on modern AR and VR technologies in the education sector.

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Published

07/01/2025

How to Cite

K.M.H.L.Konara, G.K.Dilani, T.M.H.C. Peiris, R.M.R. Dileka, T.P.Rathnayaka, Kithulwatta, W., R.M.D. Jayathilake, YNS Wijewardana, Dr. H.M.C.C.Somarathna, & Prof. R.M.K.T. Rathnayake. (2025). Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in Education: A Comprehensive Review. International Journal of Research in Computing, 4(II), 12–24. Retrieved from https://ijrcom.org/index.php/ijrc/article/view/153

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Vol. 4 No. II (2025): International Journal of Research in Computing (IJRC)

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