Chicago, (April 28, 2025) — Using virtual reality (VR) in the classroom can lead to “significant increases” in knowledge retention and motivation among students, according to new international research.
A study involving more than 300 students from vulnerable communities in El Salvador showed those who had used VR in lessons could remember and recall more information than those who had not, and were more motivated and engaged as a result.
The findings suggest that VR could be a “transformative tool” for education, particularly in areas of high vulnerability.
The study involved 317 students from seven schools located in rural areas of El Salvador, aged between 14 and 18.
One group received science lessons using ClassVR, while the other received traditional science lessons without any additional technological or audiovisual elements.
Both groups were given tests for knowledge retention and motivation before receiving lessons and again one week after their last class. The results showed:
- The VR group increased retention by 35.2%, while the non-VR group increased retention by only 2.6%.
- Motivation, measured in terms of satisfaction, attention, and relevance, either remained stable or increased in the VR group, while the non-VR group showed slight to significant decreases.
The report said the results show that VR “not only enhances academic performance, it also supports the development of essential cognitive and social skills in active learning, such as attention, memory, and motivation.”
Teachers praised the impact ClassVR has had on their students.
Jessica Lozano, a science and technology teacher at República de Italia’s School, said: “The experience with virtual reality headsets for the students was very beneficial and exciting. Allowing our students to explore places and cultures they might never visit, as well as showing them the human body in detail, has been truly valuable.”
Evelia Nunfio, a science and technology teacher at Fe y Alegría La Merced’s School, said: “Students are motivated to improve their performance and make the most of this technology. Class attendance has increased, as students are eager to participate in this learning methodology.”
The study was conducted as part of a partnership between the Fundación Empresarial para el Desarrollo Educativo (FEPADE) and VR Latam.
Rafael Javier Pérez Sánchez, training manager for VR Latam, said: “This study shows VR can be a powerful tool for improving the teaching-learning process. Introducing this innovative technology into the classroom, particularly in vulnerable areas, could help bridge digital divides, enhance the classroom experience and have a positive impact on educational outcomes.”
To read the full study visit https://www.classvr.com/blog/how-vr-is-enhancing-motivation-and-retention-in-el-salvador/.
The initiative began in 2023 with virtual reality laboratories installed in 10 schools. In 2024, it expanded to 32 additional schools in vulnerable areas of El Salvador, with 67% situated in rural regions.
About Avantis
Avantis Education, the creators of ClassVR, provides simple classroom technology used by more than two million students, in over 200,000 classrooms across 90 countries.
The world’s first virtual reality technology designed just for education provides everything a school needs to seamlessly implement VR technology in any classroom, all at an affordable price. To learn more visit www.avantiseducation.com and www.classvr.com.
###
{Image to accompany the posting:16:medium:right}
The American Consortium for Equity in Education, publisher of the "Equity & Access" journal, celebrates and connects the educators, associations, community partners and industry leaders who are working to solve problems and create a more equitable environment for historically underserved pre K-12 students throughout the United States.
- American Consortium for Equity in Educationhttps://ace-ed.org/author/admin/
- American Consortium for Equity in Educationhttps://ace-ed.org/author/admin/
- American Consortium for Equity in Educationhttps://ace-ed.org/author/admin/
- American Consortium for Equity in Educationhttps://ace-ed.org/author/admin/
