An Approach to Integrate Immersive Extended Reality Into Elementary Classroom in Jubail Industrial City, KSA

Abstract The use of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based tools and solutions in classrooms has made a major shift in the education sector. It allows for optimized collaboration and engagement between teachers and students in classrooms. Extended reality (XR) is shaping the Metaverse of tomorrow; it is a blanket term that refers to a group of technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality (MR). This chapter aims to explore the possibility of applying XR applications (AR, VR, and MR) in elementary schools to create an immersive classroom environment. Moreover, it discovers the advantages and disadvantages of using these technologies in classrooms for children at elementary schools. The methodology is based on two approaches: a qualitative approach to explore and understand how immersive technology is used in the classroom and a quantitative approach that employs a questionnaire to gather data from parents and gauge their willingness to adopt XR tools. Results show that 94% of parents believe that having XR in learning will increase students’ GPA, especially for students who have difficulties in learning. However, parents have worried about their children’s health by using XR technology for long periods.