Virtual reality and knowledge rediscovery in sub-Sahara Africa: A review of literature

Abstract

Even as the effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) in education begins to be understood in the US and western Europe, the potential for this technology to lead to knowledge rediscovery and lifelong learning in Sub-Saharan Africa remains unexploited. This region has unique educational-delivery problems that position VR as a premier instrument that may respond to learners’ needs. Factors hindering education in Sub-Sahara Africa include the high expenses for students attending brick-and-mortar schools; the long distances learners must travel to access these schools; the lack of learning materials like books and writing instruments; and few educational technology professionals. This present research reviewed published research articles on how VR, as an educational tool, can be used to address these problems and lead to knowledge rediscovery and lifelong learning in Africa. The review suggested that, at this time, VR can only be used as a supplementary teaching aid to assist learner understanding.