Engineering Education’s Potential for Virtual Reality Research and Development from 2012-2022: A Bibliometric Study

Abstract

Recently, Virtual Reality (VR) has shown promise for changing Engineering Education (EE) to increase student learning results. However, VR-based education is not commonly used. This article examines VR technology's growth and research possibilities in EE to understand its revolutionary impact on learning. Therefore, this study is essential so that researchers, educational institutions, and policymakers can make more informed and strategic decisions to support the development of engineering education based on VR technology. A thorough study of literature employing bibliometric methodology examines VR applications in EE. Scopus, which contained 1645 documents from 2012 to 2022, provided the analyzed papers on July 4, 2022. VOSViewer showed author networks, nations, journals, and keywords for bibliometric analysis. Over the past decade, VR and EE publications have risen. China produces the most VR/EE research, whereas Taiwanese authors are highly cited. Technologico de Monterrey is Mexico's most active research institute for VR and EE, and computer and education journals are highly mentioned. VR's research potential in EE emphasizes the need for further empirical investigations to determine its long-term effects on student academic performance, information retention, and learning outcomes. This essay contributes to the discussion on updating pedagogy and improving future engineers' learning by making a persuasive case for VR in EE.