Speed reading on virtual reality and augmented reality

Abstract Many virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications in education require speed reading. The current study aimed to explore whether the reading performance on VR and AR is different from that on traditional desktop display, and whether the difference is moderated by the reading speed. Sixty-three college students read Chinese passages at normal (650–750 characters per minute [cpm]) or fast speeds (1000–1400 cpm), and then answered multiple-choice questions. They spent approximately 10% more time in making choice on VR and AR than they did on the desktop display. Teachers should be aware of this difference and allow 10% more time when using VR and AR applications containing text components.