VR and XR as Empathy-Building Educational Tools

Virtual and mixed reality technologies, often misunderstood as commercial tools, hold transformative potential for education by fostering empathy and immersive learning. Claire Seldon, a learning designer and gamification expert, advocates for hands-on, play-based experiences that engage multiple senses. The VR documentary 'The World Came Flooding In' by Isobel Knowles and Van Sowerwine, first exhibited at ACMI in Melbourne during the Melbourne International Film Festival, exemplifies this. It recreates flood-affected homes using 3D-scanned miniatures, allowing viewers to explore personal stories and build emotional connections. The artists emphasize VR's unique ability to evoke powerful feelings through tangible, memory-laden objects. Another example is 'Julaymba' by Phoria, an educational VR game that teaches about Indigenous culture and environmental stewardship through guided exploration and narration from Eastern Kuku Yalanji Elder Richard Burchill. Seldon notes that modern learners need engaging, gamified activities rather than passive video lectures. Despite barriers like resource limitations, VR and XR can bridge gaps in education, creating understanding and empathy when used artfully.