Virtual Reality and Collaborative Learning in Engineering Education: A Systematic Review Protocol

This work-in-progress research paper aims to present a protocol for a systematic review focused on recent engineering education research on collaborative learning in virtual reality (VR) platforms. Despite the growing application of collaborative VR in engineering education, research on systematic instructional methods within these environments remains limited. This work-in-progress paper details a protocol for a systematic review that aims to fill this gap by evaluating the use of collaborative VR in engineering education. We outline the methods, including search strategies and criteria for inclusion, based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. The review will focus on identifying the skills and competencies targeted by collaborative VR applications, the theoretical underpinnings employed, and the learning outcomes achieved. This systematic approach will provide a comprehensive synthesis of existing literature, offer insights into effective practices, and guide future research and instructional strategies in engineering education using VR technologies. Through this protocol, we aim to contribute to the development of evidence-based guidelines that can enhance the efficacy of collaborative VR learning environments for engineering students.