No abstract

Open and distance learning (ODL) education provides an opportunity for prospective students who require flexibility in education enabling learning without traditional face to face lecture sessions. Previous literature indicated that there has been a growing curiosity amongst educators, researchers, and pedagogues on employing modern visualization technologies to enrich current educational experiences for students who do not attend face to face lessons. This study aims to explore how new immersive technology can be used to enhance the experience of distance learning. Using a systematic literature review, findings were presented in the form of a thematic discussion looking at journal articles between the year 2000 to October 2018. Following a review of 40 articles which were included in the qualitative synthesis, this study investigated the challenges experienced in open distance learning experience, in an attempt to form the basis of interlinking the use of Virtual and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies to enhance the distance learning experience. Findings revealed ODL presently employs various Information and Communication Tools (ICT) which are comprised of technological resources that assist the facilitation of lecturer and student interaction. However, these ICTs do not fully assist in enhancing the DL experience. Results from the review found that the adoption of Augmented and Virtual Reality (VR) in higher education contributed to learner engagement and enhanced learning outcomes. Moreover, literature revealed that immersive learning is best utilized as a complement to traditional learning as opposed to a replacement.