A Theory-Informed Framework for Interactive Digital Learning in Physics Education: A Systematic Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61255/jupiter.v4i4.1675Keywords:
Interactive Digital Learning, Physics Education, Systematic Literature Review, Theory-Informed Conceptual FrameworkAbstract
Purpose: This study synthesizes evidence on interactive digital learning in physics education and addresses fragmented technology-specific reviews by proposing a theory-informed conceptual framework linking digital affordances, theoretical foundations, pedagogical design, learner processes and outcomes, and implementation conditions. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 and PRISMA-S, literature published from January 2016 to June 2026 was retrieved from nine information sources and supplemented by backward and forward citation chasing. of 3,142 records identified, 66 publications met the eligibility criteria. Empirical studies were appraised using MMAT, with the JBI checklist additionally applied to quasi-experimental studies. Evidence was synthesized through thematic and abductive analysis. Findings: Five interconnected themes emerged: digital learning affordances, theoretical foundations, pedagogical design features, learner processes and outcomes, and implementation conditions. Learning benefits were associated with representational coherence, guided inquiry, scaffolding, feedback, reflection, and context-sensitive implementation. The synthesis does not establish causal mediation among framework components. Conclusion: The review proposes a theory-informed conceptual framework organizing recurring relationships across heterogeneous studies. Research Implications: The framework supports the design, implementation, evaluation, and empirical testing of coherent digital physics learning environments. Originality: The review integrates technological, theoretical, pedagogical, learner, outcome, and contextual dimensions across multiple digital modalities within a unified conceptual structure for future research.
Abstract views: 10
,
PDF downloads: 16
Downloads
References
Anselmo, C. T., Prudente, M. S., Aquino, J. L. R., Dumelod, D. A., & Cabrera, F. R. (2024). A systematic review of the effectiveness of mobile learning tools in enhancing physics education. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 23(12), 237–257. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.23.12.13
Banda, H J, & Nzabahimana, J. (2021). Effect of integrating Physics Education Technology simulations on students’ conceptual understanding in physics: A review of literature. Physical Review Physics Education Research, 17(2), 23108. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevPhysEducRes.17.023108
Banda, Herbert James, & Nzabahimana, J. (2023). The Impact of Physics Education Technology (PhET) Interactive Simulation-Based Learning on Motivation and Academic Achievement Among Malawian Physics Students. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 32(1), 127–141. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-022-10010-3
Barker, T. H., Habibi, N., Aromataris, E., Stone, J. C., Leonardi-Bee, J., Sears, K., Hasanoff, S., Klugar, M., Tufanaru, C., Moola, S., & Munn, Z. (2024). The revised JBI critical appraisal tool for the assessment of risk of bias for quasi-experimental studies. JBI Evidence Synthesis, 22(3), 378–388. https://doi.org/10.11124/JBIES-23-00268
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Cai, S, Liu, C., Wang, T., Liu, E., & Liang, J.-C. (2021). Effects of learning physics using augmented reality on students’ self-efficacy and conceptions of learning. British Journal of Educational Technology, 52(1), 235–251. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13020
Cai, Su, Liu, C., Wang, T., Liu, E., & Liang, J. C. (2021). Effects of learning physics using Augmented Reality on students’ self-efficacy and conceptions of learning. British Journal of Educational Technology, 52(1), 235–251. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13020
Canright, J. P., & White Brahmia, S. (2024). Modeling novel physics in virtual reality labs: An affective analysis of student learning. Physical Review Physics Education Research, 20(1), 10146. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevPhysEducRes.20.010146
Fadillah, M. A., Alawyah, K., Syafrijon, S., & Usmeldi, U. (2026). Meta-analysis of the effectiveness of PhET simulations in physics education. International Journal of Online and Biomedical Engineering, 22(2), 21–37. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijoe.v22i02.59007
Georgiou, Y., Tsivitanidou, O., & Ioannou, A. (2021). Learning experience design with immersive virtual reality in physics education. Educational Technology Research and Development, 69(6), 3051–3080. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-021-10055-y
Gezer, T., Wang, C., Polly, A., Martin, C., Pugalee, D., & Lambert, R. (2021). The relationship between formative assessment and summative assessment in primary grade mathematics classrooms*. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, 13(5), 673–685. https://doi.org/10.26822/iejee.2021.220
Girwidz, R, & Kohnle, A. (2022). Multimedia and digital media in physics instruction. In H E Fischer & R. Girwidz (Eds.), Physics education (pp. 297–336). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-87391-2_11
Girwidz, Raimund, & Kohnle, A. (2021). Multimedia and Digital Media in Physics Instruction BT - Physics Education (Hans Ernst Fischer & R. Girwidz (eds.); pp. 297–336). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-87391-2_11
Gumilar, S., Amalia, I. F., Nasrulloh, I., Ismail, A., Hayat, M. S., & Anam, R. S. (2025). Integrating augmented reality into physics teaching and learning: A systematic literature review. Asia-Pacific Science Education, 11(2), 469–501. https://doi.org/10.1163/23641177-bja10102
Haddaway, N. R., Grainger, M. J., & Gray, C. T. (2022). Citationchaser: A tool for transparent and efficient forward and backward citation chasing in systematic searching. Research Synthesis Methods, 13(4), 533–545. https://doi.org/10.1002/jrsm.1563
Hidayati, H., Sundari, P. D., Dewi, W. S., Saputra, D., Ayani, N. I., Anusba, E. B., Afrizon, R., Anggraini, F., & Rahim, F. R. (2024). The effectiveness of digital module based-POE (Predict-Observe-Explain) with computer-assisted feedback to improve student understanding of physics concept. International Journal of Information and Education Technology, 14(9), 1262–1270. https://doi.org/10.18178/ijiet.2024.14.9.2155
Hong, Q. N., Fàbregues, S., Bartlett, G., Boardman, F., Cargo, M., Dagenais, P., Gagnon, M.-P., Griffiths, F., Nicolau, B., O’Cathain, A., Rousseau, M.-C., Vedel, I., & Pluye, P. (2018). The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool MMAT version 2018 for information professionals and researchers. Education for Information, 34(4), 285–291. https://doi.org/10.3233/EFI-180221
Lai, J. W., & Cheong, K. H. (2022). Educational Opportunities and Challenges in Augmented Reality: Featuring Implementations in Physics Education. IEEE Access, 10, 43143–43158. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3166478
Marisda, D. H., Nurlina, Nurazmi, Handayani, Y., Hasin, A., & Hamzah, H. (2024). Needs Analysis in the Development of Basic Physics Practical E- Module Based on Interactive Flipbook with STEM Approach. JIPF (Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Fisika), 9(3), 404–414.
Marisda, D. H., Rahmawati, ., Riskawati, ., Basri, S., & Anisa, . (2022). Analyzing the Validity of Interactive Multimedia-based Learning on Acid Rain Content. KnE Social Sciences, 2022. https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v7i12.11534
Marisda, D. H., Sultan, A. D., Handayani, Y., Ma’ruf, Putri, & Utami, L. S. (2025). Curriculum and Student Needs Analysis in Special Relativity Learning : A Preliminary Study for Developing Flipbook-Based Interactive Modules. TWIST: International Multidisciplinary Journal, 20(3), 108–116. https://doi.org/10.5281/twist.10049652
Marisda, D. H., Tolla, I., Arsyad, M., & Arismunandar. (2025). Exploring Usability, Practicality, and Innovation of Flipbook-Based Interactive E-Books in Physics Education. Journal of Innovation in Educational and Cultural Research, 6(4), 705–713. https://doi.org/10.46843/jiecr.v6i4.2352
Maruf, Sultan, A. D., & Marisda, D. H. (2024). Problem-Based Learning Model Supported Phydia (PBL-Phydia) to Improve ICT Abilities. International Journal of Research and Review, 11(4), 145–157. https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20240417
Mayer, R E. (2024). The past, present, and future of the cognitive theory of multimedia learning. Educational Psychology Review, 36, 8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-023-09842-1
Mayer, Richard E. (2024). The Past, Present, and Future of the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning. Educational Psychology Review, 36(1), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-023-09842-1
Mgeladze, A., & Kapanadze, M. (2025). Integrating TPACK and collaborative learning to enhance technological proficiency in physics education. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 21(8), em2681. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/16715
Mufit, F., Hendriyani, Y., & Dhanil, M. (2024). Design immersive virtual reality (IVR) with cognitive conflict to support practical learning of quantum physics. Journal of Turkish Science Education, 21(2), 369–388. https://doi.org/10.36681/tused.2024.020
Munfaridah, N., Avraamidou, L., & Goedhart, M. (2021). The use of multiple representations in undergraduate physics education: What do we know and where do we go from here? Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 17(1), em1934. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/9577
Mustari, M., Hartono, Nugroho, S. E., & Sugianto. (2025). Enhancing Physics Education Through Moocs-Based Virtual Laboratory Modules: Development, Validation, and Future Directions. Journal of Educators Online, 22(2). https://doi.org/10.9743/JEO.2025.22.2.5
Ng, M. E., & Chua, K. H. (2023). The effect of using PhET in changing Malaysian students’ attitude to learning physics in a full virtual environment. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 31(2), 545–560. https://doi.org/10.47836/pjssh.31.2.05
Ouzzani, M., Hammady, H., Fedorowicz, Z., & Elmagarmid, A. (2016). Rayyan, a web and mobile app for systematic reviews. Systematic Reviews, 5, 210. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-016-0384-4
Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., … Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71
Page, M. J., Moher, D., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., … McKenzie, J. E. (2021). PRISMA 2020 explanation and elaboration: Updated guidance and exemplars for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n160. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n160
Pranata, O. D. (2024). Physics Education Technology (PhET) as a game-based learning tool: A quasi-experimental study. Pedagogical Research, 9(4), em0221. https://doi.org/10.29333/pr/15154
Rethlefsen, M. L., Kirtley, S., Waffenschmidt, S., Ayala, A. P., Moher, D., Page, M. J., Koffel, J. B., & Group, P.-S. (2021). PRISMA-S: An extension to the PRISMA statement for reporting literature searches in systematic reviews. Systematic Reviews, 10, 39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-020-01542-z
Rizal, R., Ridwan, I. M., Suhendi, H. Y., & Mahmudah, I. R. (2025). Student’s readiness in using virtual reality for physics learning. Journal of Teaching and Learning, 19(1), 131–154. https://doi.org/10.22329/jtl.v19i1.8943
Rizki, I. A., Suprapto, N., Saphira, H. V, Alfarizy, Y., Ramadani, R., Saputri, A. D., & Suryani, D. (2024). Cooperative model, digital game, and augmented reality-based learning to enhance students’ critical thinking skills and learning motivation. Journal of Pedagogical Research, 8(1), 339–355. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPR.202423825
Sweller, J., Van Merriënboer, J. J. G., & Paas, F. (2019). Cognitive architecture and instructional design: 20 years later. Educational Psychology Review, 31(2), 261–292. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-019-09465-5
Thomas, J., & Harden, A. (2008). Methods for the thematic synthesis of qualitative research in systematic reviews. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 8, 45. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2288-8-45
Tsivitanidou, O. E., Georgiou, Y., & Ioannou, A. (2021). A learning experience in inquiry-based physics with immersive virtual reality: Student perceptions and an interaction effect between conceptual gains and attitudinal profiles. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 30(6), 841–861. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-021-09924-1
Vidak, A., Movre Šapić, I., Mešić, V., & Gomzi, V. (2024). Augmented reality technology in teaching about physics: a systematic review of opportunities and challenges. European Journal of Physics, 45(2), 23002. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6404/ad0e84
Wang, C., Shen, J., & Chao, J. (2021). Integrating computational thinking in stem education: A literature review. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 1–24.
Wang, Y., Zhang, L., & Pang, M. (2025). Virtual experiments in physics education: A systematic literature review. Research in Science & Technological Education, 43(2), 633–655. https://doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2024.2327995
Yusuf, I., Setyosari, P., Kuswandi, D., & Ulfa, S. (2024). Development of integrated physics learning tools in virtual laboratory platform: Its implementation through the POGIL strategy in Indonesian frontier areas. TEM Journal, 13(3), 2568–2580. https://doi.org/10.18421/TEM133-82
Zatarain-Cabada, R., Barrón-Estrada, M. L., Cárdenas-Sainz, B. A., & Chavez-Echeagaray, M. E. (2023). Experiences of web-based extended reality technologies for physics education. Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 31(1), 63–82. https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.22571
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Dewi Hikmah Marisda, Ana Dhiqfaini Sultan, Muhammad Wajdi, Ramli Rasyid, Asrinan, Nurhidayat

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.






