Call for Papers: Special Issue on "Immersive Learning: From Theory to Practice, Building Evidence-Based Frameworks"

Journal: Computers & Education: X Reality (Elsevier)
Manuscript Submission Deadline: October 17, 2024

Overview
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The integration of immersive technologies—such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR)—into educational environments has shown significant potential to transform the learning experience. However, the rapid adoption of these technologies has outpaced the development of comprehensive, evidence-based frameworks that guide their practical implementation and evaluation in diverse educational contexts.

Immersive Learning is emerging from multi-disciplinary research in Computer Science, Game Design, UX, the Learning Sciences, and other fields that apply Immersive Learning in context. This special issue of Computers & Education: X Reality aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice in immersive learning by bringing together research that explores theoretical foundations and builds robust frameworks grounded in empirical evidence. We seek contributions that provide insights into how immersive technologies can be systematically integrated into educational settings to enhance learning outcomes, showing effective practices in immersive learning, addressing educational challenges and the technical affordances of tools and frameworks that are both scalable and sustainable.

This special issue is organized in collaboration with the Immersive Learning Research Network (iLRN) as a follow-up to their 9th and 10th annual International Conferences. However, we welcome submissions from the academic community, regardless of whether they were part of the iLRN conferences.

Topics of Interest
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This special issue invites scholars, practitioners, and technologists to contribute to the evolving landscape of immersive learning by providing research that advances theoretical understanding and offers practical, evidence-based solutions for educators worldwide.

We invite high-quality, original research articles, case studies, and review papers that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:

Theoretical Foundations
- Conceptual models and frameworks for immersive learning.
- Cognitive, social, and emotional theories underlying immersive learning environments.
- Ethical considerations and inclusivity in immersive learning.

Practical Applications
- Case studies showcasing the integration of immersive technologies in various educational settings.
- Design and development of immersive learning environments.
- Best practices for implementing VR/AR/MR in classrooms, labs, and remote learning contexts.

Evidence-Based Frameworks
- Empirical studies evaluating the effectiveness of immersive learning tools and environments.
- Longitudinal studies on the impact of immersive learning on student engagement, motivation, and outcomes.
- Frameworks for assessing and improving the accessibility and usability of immersive learning technologies.

Technological Innovations
- Emerging tools and platforms for immersive learning.
- Interdisciplinary approaches to enhancing immersive learning experiences.
- Future trends and challenges in the adoption of XR technologies in education.

Submission Guidelines
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Authors are invited to submit original manuscripts that have not been previously published and are not currently under consideration for publication elsewhere. We expect final articles, not abstracts. All submissions will undergo a rigorous peer-review process. Manuscripts should be prepared according to the journal's standard guidelines and submitted through the Computers & Education: X Reality online submission system: Editorial Manager® (https://www2.cloud.editorialmanager.com/cexr/default2.aspx)
Please refer to the Guide for Authors (https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/computers-and-education-x-reality/publish/guide-for-authors) to prepare the manuscript and select the article type “VSI: Immersive Learning" when submitting your manuscript online.

Important Dates
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Manuscript Submission Deadline: October 17, 2024
Editorial Notification Deadline: January 31, 2025

Guest Editors
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Anasol Peña-Rios, BT Group, UK
Daphne Economou, University of Westminster, UK
Daniela Pedrosa, Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, Portugal
Jule Krüger, University of Potsdam, Germany
Dennis Beck, University of Arkansas, USA
Leonel Morgado, Universidade Aberta & INESC TEC, Portugal

Contact Information
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Please contact the guest editors at publications@immersivelrn.org for inquiries regarding this special issue.
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We look forward to receiving your contributions to this essential and timely special issue.