Virtual reality (VR) technology has improved in access and availability in the area of K–12 instruction, increasingly being cited for its promise to meet the varied learning needs of individuals with disabilities. This descriptive review of 25 research studies conducted in K–12 settings examined the defining characteristics of immersion levels associated with VR, the purpose and application of the augmented reality intervention, the outcomes associated with the current use of VR, and the possibility of generalization beyond VR. The results of the review reveal that a majority of studies are utilizing nonimmersive screen-based simulations. While still considered under the VR domain, these technologies do not take advantage of the features of semi- and fully immersive VR which make it an appealing intervention for students with disabilities. Based on the results of this review, we provide recommendations to establish a strong research base on emerging VR technology and its use for students with disabilities in the K–12 classroom.

This systematic literature review was conducted to explore the social validity of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) as a means of providing social skill instruction to students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Forty-one articles met the inclusion criteria, including five studies utilizing AR and the remaining 36 utilizing VR for social skill interventions. No studies implemented MR. The targeted skills of the studies included emotion recognition, relationship skills, social awareness, cooperation, and executive functioning. The intervention was considered effective in 63% of studies, not effective in 10% of studies, and mixed results in 27% of studies. The social validity indicators reported by researchers ranged from two to 14 of 17 determined categories. Findings indicate the primary socially valid reasons for utilizing AR/VR for social skill instruction were high student motivation toward the intervention and a positive attitude toward the technology. Findings indicate that increasing the role of parents, educators, and students as both social skill selectors and treatment agents and adding valid and reliable skill measures may improve the effects of an intervention. Sustainability may increase by providing training to both treatment agents and participants. AR has the potential to improve generalization and VR provides a practice environment for performance deficits. Combining these technologies may provide a more effective social skill intervention.

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A nearly unlimited number of technology tools and applications exist to support students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, finding these tools, researching their effectiveness, observing their use, and evaluating their implementation can be a time consuming and daunting task if a technology professional is not available. Students with ADHD make up a large percentage of students with disabilities, but they often do not qualify for services that would facilitate evaluation for technology tools, leaving the responsibility of supporting them on the classroom teachers. In this article, the authors provide a streamlined process that includes the use of student-driven goals, online technology tool finders, and evaluation techniques. Using this process, teachers can include student and parent perspectives, determine appropriate tools from current technology, and evaluate the tool’s support based on progress toward selected goals.

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