Challenges and Readiness of VR and AI Integration in STEM-based Mathematics Education: A Case of Urban and Rural High Schools
Abstract
The integration of Virtual Reality (VR) and AI in STEM-based mathematics education holds transformative potential but faces systemic challenges in Indonesian high schools. This mixed-methods study examined infrastructure readiness, financial feasibility, and teacher preparedness across five urban and rural schools in East Java, Indonesia. Data from 85 students (ages 15–17) and 10 teachers revealed three barriers: limited internet access (78% of schools were rural), high VR hardware costs (82% were unaffordable), and inadequate teacher training (90% of teachers were unprepared). Quantitative results showed significant improvement in students' mathematical understanding post-VR exposure (pre- test: 68.57 vs. post-test: 73.51; p < 0.001), with urban schools outperforming their rural counterparts by 15%. While 83% of students reported better geometry visualisation through VR, disparities in access exacerbate educational inequities. Recommendations include government subsidies for hardware, public-private partnerships to improve infrastructure, and mandatory teacher training programs. This study highlights actionable strategies to bridge the digital divide and promote equitable adoption of VR/AI in resource-constrained STEM-based mathematics education, enhancing learning outcomes sustainably.
Keywords
References
Ahmad, N., Nugak, M. A., Rahman, S. F. A., & Razak, N. A. M. (2024). Exploring challenges and impacts: Insights from school teachers in virtual learning environments. Arab World English Journal, 10, 172–190. https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/call10.12
Akhtar, K., Standfield, N. J., Gupte, C. M., & Tuijthof, G. J. M. (2015). Virtual reality simulators. In M. Karahan, G. M. M. J. Kerkhoffs, P. Randelli, & G. J. M. Tuijthof (Eds.), Effective training of arthroscopic skills (pp. 71–80). Springer Berlin Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-44943-1_7
Al Breiki, M., Al Abri, A., Al Moosawi, A. M., & Alburaiki, A. (2023). Investigating science teachers’ intention to adopt virtual reality through the integration of diffusion of innovation theory and theory of planned behaviour: The moderating role of perceived skills readiness. Education and Information Technologies, 28(5), 6165–6187. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11367-z
Alam, A. (2022). Employing adaptive learning and intelligent tutoring robots for virtual classrooms and smart campuses: Reforming education in the age of artificial intelligence. In R. N. Shaw, S. Das, V. Piuri, & M. Bianchini (Eds.). Advanced computing and intelligent technologies (Vol. 914, pp. 395–406). Springer Nature Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-2980-9_32
Ally, M., & Perris, K. (2022). Artificial intelligence in the fourth industrial revolution to educate for sustainable development. Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology, 48(4), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.21432/cjlt28287
Al-Zahrani, A. M. (2024). Unveiling the shadows: Beyond the hype of AI in education. Heliyon, 10(9), e30696. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30696
Ananto, P., & Ningsih, S. K. (2023). An examination of Indonesian teachers’ and students’ perception and level of digital citizenship. Heliyon, 9(8), e18987. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18987
Asmayawati, Yufiarti, & Yetti, E. (2024). Pedagogical innovation and curricular adaptation in enhancing digital literacy: A local wisdom approach for sustainable development in Indonesia context. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 10(1), 100233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2024.100233
Balushi, J. S. G. A., Jabri, M. I. A. A., Palarimath, S., Maran, P., Thenmozhi, K., & Balakumar, C. (2024). Incorporating artificial intelligence powered immersive realities to improve learning using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) Technology. 2024 3rd International Conference on Applied Artificial Intelligence and Computing (ICAAIC), 760–765. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICAAIC60222.2024.10575046
Buentello-Montoya, D. A., Lomelí-Plascencia, M. G., & Medina-Herrera, L. M. (2021). The role of reality enhancing technologies in teaching and learning of mathematics. Computers & Electrical Engineering, 94, 107287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compeleceng.2021.107287
Castañeda, L., & Gourlay, L. (2023). Data ecosystems in education: Opportunities and challenges. Edutec. Revista Electrónica de Tecnología Educativa, 86, 1–5. https://doi.org/10.21556/edutec.2023.86.3071
Chairani, M. A., Pradhana, A. P., & Purnama, T. Y. (2022). The urgency of developing law as a legal basis for the implementation of artificial intelligence in Indonesia. Law and Justice, 7(1), 35–45. https://doi.org/10.23917/laj.v7i1.760
Dai, Y., Chai, C.-S., Lin, P.-Y., Jong, M. S.-Y., Guo, Y., & Qin, J. (2020). Promoting students’ well-being by developing their readiness for the Artificial Intelligence age. Sustainability, 12(16), 6597. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12166597
Dobrev, I. H., & Garov, K. (2023). Opportunities and challenges of augmented and virtual reality in education. Education and Technologies Journal, 14(1), 200–203. https://doi.org/10.26883/2010.231.5077
Dudhat, A., & Ardi. (2023). Application of information technology to education in the age of the fourth industrial revolution. International Transactions on Education Technology (ITEE), 1(2), 131–137. https://doi.org/10.34306/itee.v1i2.319
Efendi, M. A., Panglipur, I. R., & Murtinasari, F. (2024). Identifying the use of artificial intelligence in math learning based on learning outcomes. At- Ta’lim: Jurnal Pendidikan, 10(2), 53–59. https://doi.org/10.55210/attalim.v10i2.1689
González-Pérez, P., & Mesías-Lema, J. M. (2023). La realidad virtual para la enseñanza y aprendizaje de la perspectiva en el dibujo. Edutec. Revista Electrónica de Tecnología Educativa, 83, 188–207. https://doi.org/10.21556/edutec.2023.83.2681
Hansen, M., & Gonzalez, T. (2014). Investigating the relationship between STEM learning principles and student achievement in math and science. American Journal of Education, 120(2), 139–171. https://doi.org/10.1086/674376
Huang, W., Walkington, C., & Nathan, M. J. (2023). Coordinating modalities of mathematical collaboration in shared VR environments. International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning, 18(2), 163–201. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11412-023-09397-x
Jin, H., & Wong, K. Y. (2011). Assessing conceptual understanding in mathematics with concept mapping. In B. Kaur & K. Y. Wong. Assessment in the Mathematics Classroom (pp. 67–90). World Scientific. https://doi.org/10.1142/9789814360999_0004
Lawson, A. P., Martella, A. M., LaBonte, K., Delgado, C. Y., Zhao, F., Gluck, J. A., Munns, M. E., Wells LeRoy, A., & Mayer, R. E. (2024). Confounded or controlled? A systematic review of media comparison studies involving immersive virtual reality for STEM education. Educational Psychology Review, 36(3), 69. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-024-09908-8
Lestari, I. (2018). Developing wordless picture book to improve the storytelling ability of 5 to 6 years old children. Yogyakarta State University.
Long, T. Q., Hoang, T. C., & Simkins, B. (2023). Gender gap in digital literacy across generations: Evidence from Indonesia. Finance Research Letters, 58, 104588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.frl.2023.104588
Mallek, F., Mazhar, T., Faisal Abbas Shah, S., Ghadi, Y. Y., & Hamam, H. (2024). A review on cultivating effective learning: Synthesizing educational theories and virtual reality for enhanced educational experiences. PeerJ Computer Science, 10, e2000. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj-cs.2000
Marks, B., & Thomas, J. (2022). Adoption of virtual reality technology in higher education: An evaluation of five teaching semesters in a purpose-designed laboratory. Education and Information Technologies,27(1), 1287–1305. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10653-6
Nalubega, T., & Uwizeyimana, D. E. (2024). Artificial intelligence technologies usage for improved service delivery in Uganda. Africa’s Public Service Delivery and Performance Review, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.4102/apsdpr.v12i1.770
Naveed, Q. N., Qahmash, A. I., Al-Razgan, M., Qureshi, K. M., Qureshi, M. R. N. M., & Alwan, A. A. (2022). Evaluating and prioritizing barriers for sustainable e-learning using analytic hierarchy process-group decision making. Sustainability, 14(15), 8973. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14158973
Nugak, M.A, Rahman, S. F. A., & Razak, N. A. M. (2024). Exploring challenges and impacts: Insights from school teachers in virtual learning environments. Arab World English Journal, 10, 172–190. https://doi.org/10.24093/awej/call10.12
Ratnasari, A., & Sudradjat, I. (2023). Case study approach in post-occupancy evaluation research. ARTEKS: Jurnal Teknik Arsitektur, 8(3), 427–434. https://doi.org/10.30822/arteks.v8i3.2584
Relmasira, S. C., Lai, Y. C., & Donaldson, J. P. (2023). Fostering AI literacy in elementary science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) education in the age of generative AI. Sustainability, 15(18), 13595. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813595
Rompis, L. (2019). A Learning system design based on digital technology utilization. SISFORMA, 5(2), 62–67. https://doi.org/10.24167/sisforma.v5i2.1156
Sarma, H., Shaik, M., Tangirala, S. T., & Singh, S. K. (2023). Game based virtual reality platform for geometry. 2023 IEEE International Conference on Big Data (BigData), 4812–4818. https://doi.org/10.1109/BigData59044.2023.10386710
Segura, R. J., Del Pino, F. J., Ogáyar, C. J., & Rueda, A. J. (2020). VR‐OCKS: A virtual reality game for learning the basic concepts of programming. Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 28(1), 31–41. https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.22172
Sempere, I. H., & Espuny, C. V. (2022). Estudios STEM y la brecha digital de género en bachillerato. Edutec. Revista Electrónica de Tecnología Educativa, 81, 55–71. https://doi.org/10.21556/edutec.2022.81.2601
Su, Y. S., Cheng, H. W., & Lai, C. F. (2022). Study of virtual reality immersive technology enhanced mathematics geometry learning. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 760418. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.760418
Sugiyono. (2019). Metode penelitian pendidikan pendekatan kuantitatif, kualitatif dan R&D. Alfabeta.
Sun, F., Tian, P., Sun, D., Fan, Y., & Yang, Y. (2024). Pre‐service teachers’ inclination to integrate AI into STEM education: Analysis of influencing factors. British Journal of Educational Technology, 55(6), 2574-2596. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13469
Tkachenko, E. N. (2023). Artificial intelligence, opportunities and limitations of its use in education. Entrepreneur’s Guide, 16(3), 57–62. https://doi.org/10.24182/2073-9885-2023-16-3-57-62
Tulak, T., Rubianus, & Maramba’, S. (2024). Optimizing mathematics learning outcomes using artificial intelligence technology: Optimalisasi hasil pembelajaran matematika menggunakan teknologi artificial intelligence. MaPan, 12(1), 160–170. https://doi.org/10.24252/mapan.2024v12n1a11
Ulzheimer, L., Kanzinger, A., Ziegler, A., Martin, B., Zender, J., Römhild, A., & Leyhe, C. (2021). Barriers in times of digital teaching and learning – a german case study: challenges and recommendations for action. Journal of Interactive Media in Education, 2021(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.5334/jime.638
Viera, C. A. (2023). Case study as a qualitative research methodology. Performance Improvement Journal, 62(4), 125–129. https://doi.org/10.56811/PFI-23-0005
Wang, X., Li, L., Tan, S. C., Yang, L., & Lei, J. (2023). Preparing for AI-enhanced education: Conceptualizing and empirically examining teachers’ AI readiness. Computers in Human Behavior, 146, 107798. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2023.107798
Wang, Y. (2023). Procedural content generation for VR educational applications: The investigation of AI-based approaches for improving learning experience. Applied and Computational Engineering, 17(1), 23–31. https://doi.org/10.54254/2755-2721/17/20230905
Weng, X., Jong, M. S. Y., & Chiu, T. K. F. (2020). Implementation challenges of STEM education: From teachers’ perspective. Proceedings of the 28th International Conference on Computers in Education. Asia-Pacific Society for Computers in Education, 683-685.
DOI: 10.24815/jdm.v12i1.43850
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
Copyright (c) 2025 Cindy Indra Amirul Fiqri, Yus Mochamad Cholily, Mohammad Syaifuddin, Moh. Mahfud Effendi, Abdulkadir Rahardjanto
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Email this article 
Hide
Show all