Agile Production of Inclusive Learning Environments With Virtual Reality to Support Bachelor Students With Disabilities

Students with disabilities at the upper secondary level often encounter significant barriers to accessing and engaging with education. This study examines the use of the Design-Based Research (DBR) methodology to develop a virtual reality (VR) application prototype designed to address these challenges. Conducted within the Care Centers for Students with Disabilities (CAED) in Aguascalientes, Mexico, the project involved 18 students with different types of disabilities and their educators in an iterative design process. By utilizing VR technologies, the study aimed to enhance accessibility, student engagement, and academic outcomes for students with disabilities. The DBR approach facilitated continuous refinement of the prototype through iterative feedback cycles, promoting collaboration among researchers, educators, and students to ensure alignment with user needs. Results indicated increased motivation and academic performance for most participants, although significant visual impairments limited the tool’s effectiveness for two students. This paper details the design, implementation, and evaluation of the VR application, emphasizing the integration principles of inclusive education with advanced technologies. The findings highlight the potential of VR to create immersive, adaptive, and inclusive learning environments, providing valuable guidance for future advancements in educational technology.