ERIC Number: EJ1459899
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1093-023X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Immersive Religion: Using Extended Reality Resources for Teaching the Academic Study of Religion
John Soboslai
Journal of Interactive Learning Research, v36 n1 p101-112 2025
Traditional methods of teaching religion often fail to capture the sensory and spatial dimensions of religious practices, leaving students with abstract understandings disconnected from lived experiences. This study pilots the use of extended reality resources--immersive 360-degree videos, enhanced video interviews, and virtual tours--as tools for teaching undergraduate students about religious traditions. Through thematic analysis of students' written reflections, the findings reveal four key outcomes: a deepened understanding of traditions and rituals, an appreciation for the role of sacred spaces, enhanced empathy for practitioners, and a desire for further exploration. Though limited in scope and breadth, these initial results suggest that immersive media can foster both cognitive and emotional engagement, providing students with a more holistic and respectful understanding of religious practices.
Descriptors: Computer Simulation, Educational Resources, Teaching Methods, Religion Studies, Experiential Learning, Technology Uses in Education, Educational Technology, Visual Aids, Undergraduate Students, Electronic Learning, Asynchronous Communication, Hispanic American Students, Minority Serving Institutions
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education. P.O. Box 719, Waynesville, NC 28786. Tel: 828-246-9558; Fax: 828-246-9557; e-mail: info@aace.org; Web site: http://www.aace.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New Jersey
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A