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Blending Realities: Enhancing Vocational Welding Training through Virtual Reality-Integrated Models

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Title: Blending Realities: Enhancing Vocational Welding Training through Virtual Reality-Integrated Models
Language: English
Authors: Saeed Mohamed Alhajri, Douglas Yourston, Osama Khassawneh (ORCID 0000-0002-2915-4113), Tamara Mohammad (ORCID 0000-0002-5639-8623), Tamer K. Darwish
Source: Education & Training. 2026 68(3):303-322.
Availability: Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 20
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Career and Technical Education, Welding, Computer Simulation, Models, Technology Integration, Technology Uses in Education, Blended Learning, Learner Engagement, Foreign Countries, Barriers, Learning Experience, Teacher Attitudes, Career and Technical Education Teachers, Training, Apprenticeships, Student Attitudes, Teaching Methods
Geographic Terms: United Arab Emirates
DOI: 10.1108/ET-05-2025-0354
ISSN: 0040-0912
1758-6127
Abstract: Purpose: This study examines how a hybrid approach combining virtual reality (VR) and traditional welding training can be integrated into vocational education to enhance instructional outcomes, learner engagement and training efficiency in the United Arab Emirates. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative action research design was implemented across three iterative training cycles--traditional welding, VR-based instruction and a hybrid VR-traditional model. Participants included 28 apprentices and 12 instructors at a UAE vocational training institute. Data were collected through focus groups, interviews and participant observations, and analyzed thematically. Findings: Virtual reality was found to enhance learner motivation, reduce anxiety and accelerate the acquisition of fundamental welding skills by providing safe, feedback-rich and contextually relevant practice. However, VR alone could not fully replicate essential physical elements such as heat, weight and tactile feedback. The hybrid VR-traditional model proved most effective, building confidence and procedural understanding in the VR environment before transitioning to live welding. This sequencing improved performance, reduced material waste, optimized instructor time and increased engagement between students and instructors. Originality/value: This study advances experiential learning theory and diffusion of innovations by demonstrating how VR can be positioned as a preparatory stage for authentic practice in vocational welding. It offers practical guidance for curriculum designers, instructors and policymakers aiming to modernize technical training, while supporting the UAE's workforce development strategies through scalable, technology-enhanced learning models.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1506004
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: Blending Realities: Enhancing Vocational Welding Training through Virtual Reality-Integrated Models
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Saeed+Mohamed+Alhajri%22">Saeed Mohamed Alhajri</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Douglas+Yourston%22">Douglas Yourston</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Osama+Khassawneh%22">Osama Khassawneh</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2915-4113">0000-0002-2915-4113</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Tamara+Mohammad%22">Tamara Mohammad</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5639-8623">0000-0002-5639-8623</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Tamer+K%2E+Darwish%22">Tamer K. Darwish</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Education+%26+Training%22"><i>Education & Training</i></searchLink>. 2026 68(3):303-322.
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  Data: Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight
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  Data: 20
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  Label: Geographic Terms
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22United+Arab+Emirates%22">United Arab Emirates</searchLink>
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  Label: DOI
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  Data: 10.1108/ET-05-2025-0354
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  Data: 0040-0912<br />1758-6127
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
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  Data: Purpose: This study examines how a hybrid approach combining virtual reality (VR) and traditional welding training can be integrated into vocational education to enhance instructional outcomes, learner engagement and training efficiency in the United Arab Emirates. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative action research design was implemented across three iterative training cycles--traditional welding, VR-based instruction and a hybrid VR-traditional model. Participants included 28 apprentices and 12 instructors at a UAE vocational training institute. Data were collected through focus groups, interviews and participant observations, and analyzed thematically. Findings: Virtual reality was found to enhance learner motivation, reduce anxiety and accelerate the acquisition of fundamental welding skills by providing safe, feedback-rich and contextually relevant practice. However, VR alone could not fully replicate essential physical elements such as heat, weight and tactile feedback. The hybrid VR-traditional model proved most effective, building confidence and procedural understanding in the VR environment before transitioning to live welding. This sequencing improved performance, reduced material waste, optimized instructor time and increased engagement between students and instructors. Originality/value: This study advances experiential learning theory and diffusion of innovations by demonstrating how VR can be positioned as a preparatory stage for authentic practice in vocational welding. It offers practical guidance for curriculum designers, instructors and policymakers aiming to modernize technical training, while supporting the UAE's workforce development strategies through scalable, technology-enhanced learning models.
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  Data: 2026
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  Data: EJ1506004
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        Value: 10.1108/ET-05-2025-0354
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      – Text: English
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        PageCount: 20
        StartPage: 303
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Career and Technical Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Welding
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Computer Simulation
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      – SubjectFull: Models
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      – SubjectFull: Technology Integration
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      – SubjectFull: United Arab Emirates
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      – TitleFull: Blending Realities: Enhancing Vocational Welding Training through Virtual Reality-Integrated Models
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