Virtual Reality for the Promotion of Historical Empathy: A Mixed-Methods Analysis (Poster 34)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Nine
  In Poster Session: Learning With Games and Virtual Reality

Abstract

This mixed-methods study explores the potentials of using virtual reality (VR) technologies to foster historical empathy, which can help learners connect affectively with historical figures, think more deeply about both the past and the present, and engage with civic issues. Thirty-six participants were randomly assigned to view a brief historical film on either a flatscreen or using a head-mounted device. Afterwards, participants were again randomly assigned to either a first-person perspective or a factual recall writing prompt before then responding to questionnaires. Data were analyzed to provide a holistic interpretation of participants’ development of historical empathy. Findings suggest that although type of writing task remains instrumental in promoting historical empathy, immersive VR also plays a promising role.

Authors

• Timothy Patterson, Temple University
  Presenting Author

• Insook Han, Korea University
  Presenting Author

• Laurie Shirley Esposito, Temple University
  Presenting Author