AI and immersive technologies in international STEM learning
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32674/0h8z0j95Keywords:
immersive learning, virtual reality , international students, artificial intelligenceAbstract
AI-powered immersive technologies, including virtual and augmented reality, reshape international STEM education by providing equitable, location-independent access to experiential learning and intercultural collaboration. This article examines their pedagogical value, implementation challenges, and strategies for fostering global engagement in STEM disciplines.
References
Aebersold, M., Rasmussen, K., & Mulrenin, B. (2020). The impact of virtual reality simulation on learning outcomes in biology education.
Bernate, A., & Vargas, J. (2024). Ethical approach to the use of immersive technologies in education: Addressing equity issues and accessibility gaps. Frontiers in Virtual Reality, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/frvir.2024.1357595 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/frvir.2024.1357595
Bernate, J. A., & Vargas, M. (2024). Presence and engagement in immersive learning environments. Journal of Educational Technology Research, 18(2), 134–149.
Calvet, L., Bourdin, P., & Prados, F. (2019). Immersive technologies in higher education: Applications, challenges, and good practices. In Proceedings of the 2019 3rd International Conference on Education and E-Learning (pp. 95–99). Association for Computing Machinery. https://doi.org/10.1145/3371647.3371667 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3371647.3371667
Center Forward. (2024, September 24). Immersive learning—The future of education tech. https://center-forward.org/basic/immersive-learning-tech/
Chen, C. J. (2009). Theoretical bases for using virtual reality in education. Themes in Science and Technology Education, 2(1-2), 71–90.
Chen, L., Chen, P., & Lin, Z. (2020). Artificial intelligence in education: A review. IEEE Access, 8, 75264–75278. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2020.2988510 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2020.2988510
Chng, E., Tan, A. L., & Tan, S. C. (2023). Examining the use of emerging technologies in schools: A review of artificial intelligence and immersive technologies in STEM education. Journal for STEM Education Research, 6(3), 385–407. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41979-023-00092-y
DeWitt, D., Alias, N., Siraj, S., & Xie, K. (2022). Enhancing intercultural competence through virtual reality environments. Computers & Education, 182, 104463.
Gracia, L. (2024, January 3). Learning language with AI, virtual reality. ASU News. https://news.asu.edu/20231218-global-launch-educator-researches-language-learning-virtual-reality
Li, Q., Xie, K., & Wang, Y. (2021). Virtual reality and intercultural competence: A study of youth engagement. Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange, 14(1), 1–15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18785/jetde.1701.02
Liu, T. Y., Tan, T. H., & Chu, Y. L. (2016). The effects of augmented reality on English as a foreign language learners’ cultural awareness, communication skills, and language improvements. Educational Technology & Society, 19(3), 38–49.
Mendoza, K., Torres, J., & Statti, A. (2023). Ethical considerations in AI-driven intercultural competence training. Journal of Educational Ethics, 11(2), 201–215.
Nguyen, T., et al. (2024). Implementation of artificial intelligence in immersive learning environments for higher education. Journal of Educational Technology.
Rutledge, C., Walsh, C. M., & Swinger, N. (2020). Immersive learning platforms: Analyzing virtual reality contributions to higher education programs globally. Frontiers in Education, 5, 1–12.
Sabie, R., Hadjistassou, S. K., Kouta, C., & Papadima-Sophocleous, S. (2023). Beyond borders: Exploring the impact of augmented reality on intercultural competence and L2 learning. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1234905. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1234905
Wang, T., Lund, B. D., Marengo, A., Pagano, A., Mannuru, N. R., Teel, Z. A., & Pange, J. (2023). Exploring the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on international students in higher education: Generative AI, chatbots, analytics, and international student success. Applied Sciences, 13(11), 6716.
Edly. (2025, January 10). Artificial intelligence in education: Striking a balance between innovation and privacy concerns. https://edly.io/blog/artificial-intelligence-in-education-and-privacy-concerns/
EON Reality. (2024). Overcoming barriers to immersive learning adoption. https://www.eonreality.com/overcoming-barriers/
EON Reality. (2024). Three reasons why universities may be slow to embrace AR/VR technology. https://eonreality.com/three-reasons-why-universities-may-be-slow-to-embrace-ar-vr-technology/
Familoni, B. T., & Onyebuchi, N. C. (2024). Augmented and virtual reality in U.S. education: A review. International Journal of Advanced Research in Social Sciences, 6(4). https://doi.org/10.51594/ijarss.v6i4.1043 DOI: https://doi.org/10.51594/ijarss.v6i4.1043
Frontiers in Virtual Reality. (2024, July 11). Ethical approach to the use of immersive technologies: Advance recommendations. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/virtual-reality/articles/10.3389/frvir.2024.1357595/full
Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. (2021). The promise of immersive learning: Augmented and virtual reality’s potential in education. https://itif.org/publications/2021/08/30/promise-immersive-learning-augmented-and-virtual-reality-potential/
Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Prentice Hall.
Learning Guild. (2019, June 3). Consider ethics, safety when creating VR-based training. https://www.learningguild.com/articles/consider-ethics-safety-when-creating-vr-based-training/
Leung, T., Zulkernine, F., & Isah, H. (2018). The use of virtual reality in enhancing interdisciplinary research and education. arXiv preprint arXiv:1809.08585.
Mendoza, K., Torres, J., & Statti, A. (2023). Ethical considerations in AI-driven intercultural competence training. Journal of Educational Ethics, 11(2), 201–215.
Mowreader, A. (2025, April 7). Where students have had their visas revoked. Inside Higher Ed. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/global/international-students-us/2025/04/07/where-students-have-had-their-visas-revoked.
Nguyen, T., et al. (2024). Implementation of artificial intelligence in immersive learning environments for higher education. Journal of Educational Technology.
Partarakis, N., & Zabulis, X. (2024). Ethical frameworks for immersive education. Frontiers in Virtual Reality, 5, 1357595.
Ponikvar, C. (2025). Overcoming resistance to technology in higher education: Strategies to embrace innovation. Raftr. https://www.raftr.com/overcoming-resistance-to-technology-in-higher-education/
Radianti, J., Majchrzak, T. A., Fromm, J., & Wohlgenannt, I. (2020). A systematic review of immersive virtual reality applications for higher education: Design elements, lessons learned, and research agenda. Computers & education, 147, 103778. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2019.103778
Rutledge, C., et al. (2020). Immersive learning platforms: Analyzing virtual reality contributions to higher education programs globally. Frontiers in Education. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1391560 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1391560
Strivr. (2024, June 4). Immersive learning explained: What it is & why it works.
Torres, K. M., & Statti, A. (2022). Learning across borders through immersive virtual technologies. International Research and Review, 12(1), 18–32. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1380645
Training Industry. (2024, October 15). Enhancing inclusion with VR cross-cultural training.
Veletsianos, G. (2010). Emerging technology in distance education. Athabasca University. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15215/aupress/9781897425763.01
Wang, T., Lund, B. D., Marengo, A., Pagano, A., Mannuru, N. R., Teel, Z. A., & Pange, J. (2023). Exploring the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on international students in higher education: Generative AI, chatbots, analytics, and international student success. Applied Sciences, 13(11), 6716. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app13116716
XR in Higher Education. (2024, January 10). XR in higher education: Adoption, considerations, and recommendations. https://er.educause.edu/articles/2024/1/xr-in-higher-education-adoption-considerations-and-recommendations
Youngblut, C. (1998). Educational uses of virtual reality technology. Institute for Defense Analyses. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA361454
Call for Special Issue Proposals 
