# Extended Reality in Applied Sciences Education: A Systematic Review
## 4 Discussion
### Evaluating Short-Term Gains and Long-Term Retention: XR Technologies' Impact on Learning Outcomes
For instance, some studies have designed XR materials for at-home use, which encourages continuous learning motivation and promotes autonomous learning behaviors [12]. Regarding memory retention, delayed assessments have confirmed the long-term memory effects of XR technologies. While memory of theoretical knowledge may decline over time, the memory and application of practical skills tend to remain stable [24; 30]. It is therefore recommended to use XR technologies as supplementary learning tools, combined with traditional teaching methods, to provide opportunities for repeated practice and reinforce students' memory and understanding of theoretical knowledge. To answer RQ3, this study finds that XR technologies significantly enhance learning effectiveness, particularly in terms of motivation, engagement, and skill acquisition; however, most effects are concentrated in short-term experiments, with their long-term impacts requiring further investigation. Future research should focus on designing studies that span entire semesters or involve repeated applications, allowing for a systematic exploration of the sustained effects of XR technologies. Additionally, our review highlights a notable gap in discussions on the development of collaboration skills. A primary limitation is XR devices are designed for individual use, lacking built-in multi-user interaction capabilities, which restricts opportunities for collaborative engagement. Future research should explore the development of multi-user XR environments and more advanced connectivity solutions, allowing learners to interact and collaborate seamlessly within shared virtual or mixed reality spaces, thereby enhancing teamwork and cooperative problem-solving in immersive learning environments. Core Challenges and Sustainable Implementation Strategies for XR Technologies in Applied Sciences Education  
This study systematically examines the core challenges faced by the application of XR technologies in education, including spatial requirements, development costs, insufficient sample sizes, variability in student acceptance, high procurement and maintenance costs for equipment, and limitations in battery life. These factors not only significantly hinder the widespread adoption of XR technologies but also pose severe challenges to their sustainability in educational practice. XR technologies often require specific facilities and dedicated equipment for operation. Curriculum design must account for adequate operating space and equipment stability; unlike traditional computer-based learning tools, XR applications (particularly VR and MR) often necessitate open, unobstructed environments to ensure safety and functionality. For instance, VR simulations require sufficient movement space to prevent physical collisions, while MR-based applications may need specialized classrooms with minimal environmental interference to ensure seamless interaction between digital and physical elements [9]. In practical applications, institutions with limited classroom space may struggle to integrate XR-based activities into their curriculum, leading to underutilization of the technology despite its potential educational benefits. For example, many VR systems operate within a predefined spatial tracking range, restricting students' movement and sometimes causing mismatches between their real-world motion and the virtual environment. Thus, further limiting their mobility and potentially diminishing the immersive experience [24]. The development of XR instructional materials involves significant time investment, particularly in designing 3D models, developing interactive content, and conducting usability testing. Unlike conventional digital learning resources, XR content often requires customized development, highlighting the high resource dependency of XR applications [24; 44]. This challenge is further exacerbated for educators without programming expertise, as many XR development tools still require substantial scripting and technical customization [71].