A literature review of implementing virtual reality in hospitality education

Abstract

This article provides a systematic view of the published research topics relevant to an understanding of using virtual reality (VR) in hospitality education. The structure of the literature review is based on the PRISMA reporting guidance and reviews two main elements: the status of VR embedded in hospitality education and the learning frameworks best fitting VR in education. Using the Google Scholar, Science Direct, and EBSCO databases, the present review found relevant articles. The included papers were classified with the following dimensions: year of publication, hospitality industry domain and search keywords. A total of 51 articles were deemed relevant and were reviewed. These articles focused on different aspects of the hospitality education, including virtual reality technologies (VRTs), applied learning frameworks, design and evaluation of VR. The results highlight among others that VRT can be integrated in (design-based) teaching and is seen as a valuable addition. Also, VR has a strong effect on student learning, especially the technology itself and classroom design. Fundamentally, a social constructivist learning framework fosters a good basis for including VRT in education. These results provide potential directions for hospitality educators, researchers and practitioners in future research efforts to enhance the correct use of the virtual learning environment in education and training of practical aspects in the hospitality industry. Key implications of this study include the call for determining the appropriate level of VRT most suitable for the development of virtual learning environments (VLE), the online learning programmes and how to motivate the students the most.