Impact of virtual reality learning environments on skills development in students with ASD
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often face significant challenges in traditional educational environments, including difficulties in social interaction, engagement, and adapting to standard learning methods. These barriers can hinder their academic and personal development, highlighting the need for more inclusive and adaptive educational solutions. Objective With this study, we intend to explore how Virtual Reality (VR) can be used as an inclusive tool to support students with ASD, enhancing their cognitive, social, and behavioural development through immersive and interactive experiences. By providing tailored learning environments, VR aims to address specific challenges faced by these students, promoting more accessible and personalised education. Methodology The research follows the Design Science Research (DSR) approach within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to develop VR-based learning experiences adapted to the needs of students with ASD. The DELPHI method was applied to involve experts in defining best practices and educational strategies, ensuring that the proposed solutions were effective and aligned with the students’ characteristics. The study included a control and an experimental group, both composed of students with ASD and typically developing students, assessing the impact of VR on learning and socialisation. Results The findings demonstrated how VR can function as an educational tool to enhance cognitive, behavioural, and social skills in students with ASD, reinforcing its potential for inclusive learning. Conclusions This study highlights VR’s effectiveness in addressing educational barriers for students with ASD, offering structured, engaging, and adaptable learning environments that foster their inclusion and development.
Source: Computers and Education Open
Authors: Rui Manuel Silva, Paulo Martins, Tânia Rocha
Institutions: University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, INESC TEC
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,390
OpenAlex ID: W4414805949