Learning Spatial Skills Collaboratively in Immersive Virtual Environments: A Systematic Review

Abstract

In this paper we explore the intersection of three domains: immersive virtual reality (VR), collaborative problem solving, and the development of spatial skills. We conducted a narrative review of literature between 2011 and 2021 looking for articles that included keywords associated with spatial skills, collaboration, and immersive virtual reality in 7 well known databases. Searches resulted in a thorough review of 21 articles. These articles included examples of virtual, physical, and applied spatial, collaborative tasks. Most of the tasks in the research were performance tasks that involved spatial skills of object location and spatial navigation by locating objects in a virtual world. Results of these studies also suggest specific design features that can benefit collaboration among users when engaging in spatial tasks. This study contributes to the literature by synthesizing research on collaboration and spatial skills in virtual reality and distilling suggestions for designers of VR experiences.