How XR shapes the future of higher education

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Raphael Zender - , Zeppelin University (Author)
  • Miriam Mulders - , University of Duisburg-Essen (Author)
  • Axel Peter Wiepke - , University of Potsdam (Author)
  • Jonathan Dyrna - , Center for Open Digital Innovation and Participation (CODIP) (Author)
  • Tobias Möhring - , RWTH Aachen University (Author)
  • Lilly Kaninski - , University of Duisburg-Essen (Author)
  • Ulrike Lucke - , University of Potsdam (Author)
  • Markus von der Heyde - , vdH-IT (Author)
  • Stefan Lindow - , University of Potsdam (Author)
  • Lisa König - , Freiburg University of Education (Author)
  • Anne Thillosen - , Leibniz Institute for Knowledge Media (Author)
  • Thomas Köhler - , Chair of Educational Technology (Author)

Abstract

Immersive technologies are gaining relevance in higher education. While their use has often been limited to isolated pilot projects, the question is becoming more urgent as to how XR can be integrated in a way that is educationally meaningful, technically reliable, and institutionally scalable. This paper aims to develop desirable visions for the future use of XR in university teaching and to derive key design requirements from them. Thus, a two-phase methodological design was employed, consisting of a cross-status group analysis and an interdisciplinary expert workshop. The results include exploratory future scenarios for the years 2035, 2050, and 2075. They outline possible developments ranging from infrastructural anchoring and global educational networks to individualized learning environments with novel interfaces. Accordingly, intersectional themes such as educational practice, ethics, and infrastructure are systematically addressed, and strategic options for action are identified for higher education institutions and policy makers.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3-17
Number of pages15
Journal i-com : journal of interactive media
Volume25
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 13 Mar 2026
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0002-3718-0645/work/209580352
Scopus 105033186493

Keywords

Keywords

  • extented reality, future education, higher education, immersive learning, innovation, virtual reality, x-reality