Bridging the divide: immersive virtual spaces for hybrid learning in remote teacher education

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Abstract

Access to quality education in remote areas, particularly in the Arctic and small island regions, is often limited due to travel constraints. Hybrid learning offers a solution, but traditional video conferencing tools fail to fully engage online students. This study explores the potential of immersive virtual spaces in hybrid teacher education to create immersive and interactive learning experiences. As part of a larger design-based research on adapting higher education curricula to be taught in the metaverse, the study evaluates, through thematic analysis of multi-source data (planning meetings, emails, chat discussions, surveys), the affordances and limitations of higher education metaverse-based learning environments (HEMLE) in a teacher education course at the University of Hawaii, Mānoa. With 11 students, two teachers, two technology experts, and a researcher participating, findings indicate that this type of environment reduces spatial divides, enables seamless collaboration, and enhances student engagement. However, challenges such as technical difficulties, virtual reality sickness, and the need for specialized support highlight the necessity for strategic planning and technical assistance. The study underscores the transformative potential of immersive learning for hybrid teacher education, defines key design principles for adapting 2D learning activities to an immersive hybrid learning environment, and promotes social justice and sustainable educational access. While immersive hybrid learning environments offer significant advantages, their success depends on overcoming technological and accessibility barriers. In the Arctic and other remote contexts, integrating such tools can expand teacher education opportunities and improve educational equity. Future research should focus on refining HEMLE to enhance usability, scalability, and effectiveness in bridging geographical educational divides.

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Keywords

TPACK-XD, hybrid learning environment, higher education metaverse-based learning environment

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