Beyond Passive Viewing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human-Computer Interaction Design Modalities in Spherical Video-Based Virtual Reality Learning Systems

Abstract

While spherical video-based virtual reality (SVVR) has gained traction in educational settings, current implementations mainly focus on passive content delivery rather than leveraging interactivity, which is a core feature of effective immersive learning experiences. Despite the growing body of research on educational SVVR, comprehensive reviews systematically examining human-computer interaction (HCI) designs remain scarce, particularly those employing meta-analytic methods. This study addresses this gap by conducting a meta-analysis of twenty-five peer-reviewed articles (2016–2025) to identify prevalent HCI design patterns in educational SVVR applications. The analysis reveals five primary interaction types, including object manipulation, test scaffolds, voice scaffolds, multimedia add-ons, and actor-based add-ons. These findings highlight the potential of current SVVR implementations, demonstrating a need for more sophisticated interactive designs to fully realize the technology’s educational benefits. The results offer practical guidance for educators and designers seeking to develop interactive SVVR materials that effectively balance technological affordances with pedagogical constraints with learning objectives.