Date
8-6-2025
Department
School of Education
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration (PhD)
Chair
Daniel Baer
Keywords
phenomenological, virtual classroom, immersive learning, higher education faculty, qualitative research, constructivist learning theory
Disciplines
Educational Administration and Supervision
Recommended Citation
Pittman, Jamel R., "Immersive Learning in Higher Education: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7286.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7286
Abstract
The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of implementing immersive learning technologies in virtual environments for higher education faculty at Coastal Bay University. Guided by constructivist learning theory, which emphasizes the construction of knowledge through firsthand experiences, this study explored how faculty designed and implemented immersive learning environments to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Data were collected through interviews, journal prompts, and a focus group with faculty from various disciplines. The findings revealed that immersive learning technologies enhanced student engagement, promoted critical thinking, and facilitated the real-world application of knowledge. Faculty participants also highlighted challenges, including technological access disparities, cognitive overload, and the need for pedagogical adaptation. The study contributes to understanding how immersive learning reshapes instructional practices and offers insights for advancing immersive pedagogy in higher education.
