Educational implications

The findings underscore the importance of engagement and the role of technology in education. The lack of significant differences in student engagement across gender, educational level, and socio-economic background suggests that well-designed educational activities can transcend these demographic factors, fostering an inclusive learning environment. The preference for single-session activities indicates the effectiveness of focused, concise teaching approaches in sustaining student interest and motivation. Notably, the similar levels of engagement with different technological tools - VR and web-based technologies - highlight that the key to effective technology integration in education is not the tool itself, but how it is utilized pedagogically. This insight is critical for educators and curriculum designers, emphasizing the need to focus on the method of delivery and integration of technology rather than the novelty of the tools used.

The study’s findings regarding students with special educational needs (SEN) and those from different socio-economic backgrounds offer significant insights for educational practices. The heightened engagement among students with SEN in the pilot activity suggests that tailored, inclusive teaching strategies can substantially improve their educational experiences. This calls for educators to adopt more personalized and adaptive teaching methods that cater to the diverse learning needs of students. Additionally, the absence of engagement differences across socio-economic backgrounds indicates the potential of equitable teaching practices to bridge gaps in educational experiences. This implies a need for educational policies and practices that ensure equal access to quality education for students regardless of their socio-economic status, thereby promoting a more inclusive and fair educational landscape.

The research highlights significant aspects of motivation, teamwork, and self-regulated learning in educational settings. The variance in motivation levels between genders and educational levels suggests that teaching strategies might need to be tailored to address these differences effectively. The findings also emphasize the importance of collaborative work and communication in enhancing the learning experience, with a notable preference for web-based technologies due to their accessibility and familiarity. Moreover, the pilot activity’s positive impact on students' self-regulated learning, especially among university students and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, underscores the value of teaching methods that promote autonomy and self-directed learning. Educators should consider these factors in developing curriculum and instructional strategies to foster a more engaged, collaborative, and self-motivated student body.