The importance of social competence for twenty-first century citizens: The use of mixed reality for social competence learning in mainstream education

Abstract

This chapter presents the results of a systematic review that investigated the use of mixed reality (MR) technology to assist social competence learning in mainstream education. Social competence represents our ability to interact with others and, therefore, is a key determinant for many of the possibilities that are presented to us across the lifespan. In today’s digital world, MR technology has been widely used in special and inclusive education for social competence training purposes, but has not yet been generally applied to mainstream education. This systematic review bridges this research gap. Findings support (i) the potential for MR technology as a medium for social competence learning activities, and (ii) how the MR approach can contribute to a Universally Designed (UD) learning environment.