Contributions, Weaknesses, Challenges, and Impediments of Virtual Reality: A Systematic Literature Review in Open and Distance Learning

Ulfia Rahmi*, Universitas Negeri Padang 
Yulianto Santoso, Universitas Negeri Padang 
Hanif Al Kadri, Universitas Negeri Padang 
Azrul Azrul, Universitas Islam Negeri Imam Bonjol Padang 
Lara Febri Dwi Putri, Universitas Negeri Padang

https://doi.org/10.9743/JEO.2026.23.3.13

Abstract

The use of Virtual Reality continues to increase and has become a prominent feature in Open and Distance Learning. However, there are gaps in the literature contains gaps and uncertainties regarding its impact on learning access and equity. This study systematic literature review aims to explore VR’s contributions, weaknesses, challenges, and impediments in enhancing learning access and equity in distance learning. We found 10,170 academic works on this topic from last decade sourced from ScienceDirect, Scholar, and OpenAlex. Our initial search was conducted to find studies related to the research topic and then the results were screened until we finalized and 27 published academic works that we analyzed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method. We coded the results and came up with four categories for VR analysis: its contributions, weaknesses, challenges, and impediments. The findings indicate that the integration of VR into higher education should take into account many factors related to the categories to maximize its benefits. This study offers guidance to educational institutions for integrating VR into courses to enhance the quality of learning.

Keywords: open and distance learning, online learning, virtual reality, learning access, learning equity

*ulfia@fip.unp.ac.id