Lensa: Jurnal Kependidikan Fisika
Vol. 14 No. 1: June 2026

Virtual Reality for Physics Learning: A Thematic Review with Cross-Disciplinary Insights on Effectiveness, Immersion, Instructional Design, and Implementation Challenges

Dosol-Demonteverde, Mailah Grace (Unknown)
Barrios, Rubilyn G (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
09 Apr 2026

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) has gained increasing attention in education, particularly for learning contexts that involve abstract concepts, dynamic processes, and simulation-based experiences. This study presents a structured thematic review of 33 Scopus-indexed articles published between 2021 and 2026, focusing on physics learning while incorporating cross-disciplinary studies as conceptual support. The review examined five major themes: effectiveness in improving learning outcomes and conceptual understanding, immersion and embodiment, suitability for abstract and high-risk contexts, the role of instructional design and usability, and implementation challenges and future directions. The findings indicate that VR is especially beneficial for physics topics such as projectile motion, quantum physics, the photoelectric effect, electric fields, and virtual laboratory activities, where visualization and interaction are essential. Across the reviewed studies, VR was consistently associated with gains in conceptual understanding, engagement, retention, motivation, and learner confidence, although these effects were conditional rather than universal. The review also shows that immersion alone is insufficient; educational effectiveness depends heavily on instructional coherence, usability, intuitive interaction, and contextual fit. Despite its promise, broader implementation remains constrained by cost, infrastructure, teacher readiness, and uneven methodological quality. Overall, VR emerges as a powerful but context-sensitive pedagogical approach for physics learning in contemporary educational and training settings.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

Lensa

Publisher

Subject

Astronomy Chemistry Earth & Planetary Sciences Education Electrical & Electronics Engineering Energy Engineering Environmental Science Physics

Description

Lensa: Jurnal Kependidikan Fisika (J-LKF) published by the Physics Education Study Program UNDIKMA. J-LKF publishes every 6 months including the study of science and education in the field of physics specifically and natural and applied sciences in ...