| Abstract | This edited volume will showcase the latest methods, systems, and applications in immersive learning, drawing from a
selection of high-quality contributions submitted to the iLEAD (Immersive Learning Education and Design) stream at the
international Immersive Learning Research Network (iLRN) conference in 2024–2025.
The book aims to highlight applied innovations and critical insights into immersive learning practice, design, and theory.
It will move beyond theoretical discussions to present tangible outcomes and reflections from real-world
implementations. Chapters will present cutting-edge research, detailed case studies, and system-level developments,
with a strong emphasis on their relevance to the practical design and implementation of effective immersive learning
experiences.
By consolidating peer-reviewed research from a global community of experts, this volume will serve as a vital resource
for educators, researchers, instructional designers, and technology developers. It will bridge the gap between theory
and practice, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state and future directions of immersive technologies in
education. The book will explore a wide range of topics, including pedagogical strategies for immersive environments,
the design of inclusive virtual spaces, frameworks for evaluation, and pioneering applications across various disciplines
from K-12 to higher and professional education.
This edited volume presents a uniquely comprehensive and timely contribution to the field of immersive learning by
uniting diverse global perspectives, methodologies, and application domains under one coherent scholarly framework.
Unlike existing texts that often focus narrowly on either technological implementation or pedagogical theory, this book
stands out by offering a multidisciplinary synthesis across four carefully curated sections—sectoral analysis, evaluation,
system-level integration, and future directions. It includes original research and practice-based insights from over 100
contributors spanning five continents, showcasing real-world implementations in higher education, healthcare,
vocational training, and inclusive design. The book’s unique selling proposition lies in its blend of foresight (e.g., AIenhanced game design, synthetic data ethics, and metaverse-based collaboration) with grounded educational practice,
underpinned by rigorous frameworks such as ALEX, FAIIL, and long-term studies on sustainability. It is of particular
interest to educators, researchers, instructional designers, and policymakers seeking evidence-based approaches to
integrating immersive technologies in education. With its rich diversity of case studies, critical reflections, and forwardlooking chapters, the book serves as both a practical guide and an academic reference, addressing the pressing need for
scalable, inclusive, and ethically responsible immersive learning solutions in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Through the expertise and experiences of the editorial team—Dr. Daphne Economou, Dr. Chrysoula Lazou, and Dr.
Paula MacDowell—we envision strong and sustained support for contributing authors throughout the publication
process. Collectively, the team brings extensive leadership in immersive learning, instructional design, serious games,
XR technologies, and inclusive education, with decades of experience across higher education, K–12, and professional
training contexts. Their deep involvement in international networks such as iLRN, IEEE, VRARA, and blended learning
associations ensures global outreach and visibility. With a proven track record of organizing scholarly events, leading
funded projects, mentoring interdisciplinary teams, and publishing in high-impact venues, the editors are well-positioned
to provide developmental guidance to contributors on refining their ideas, aligning with scholarly standards, and
achieving thematic coherence. Furthermore, the team’s active collaborations across Europe, North America, and Asia
enable them to recruit a diverse pool of authors and foster contributions that reflect multiple cultural, disciplinary, and
sectoral perspectives. This will ensure the volume offers both breadth and depth—capturing emerging innovations and
critical insights from around the world. |
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