Research

Research Overview

This research investigates how immersive virtual reality (IMVR) can be crafted to enhance perspectives on historical events and support the teaching and learning of history. The project focuses on Australia’s involvement in Royal Air Force Bomber Command during the Second World War, a significant yet often overlooked aspect of Australian history.

The research explores how immersive virtual environments can be designed to present historical locations, narratives, and perspectives in ways that extend beyond traditional text-based methods.

Research Aim

The central aim of this investigation is to examine how immersive virtual reality experiences can be crafted to re-experience and enhance perspectives on historical events, and how these experiences can be utilised as pedagogical tools in educational settings.

Methodology

This research employs a combined Design Research Science and Practice-Led methodology.

Three immersive learning modules, each accompanied by virtual reality artefacts, are being developed. These modules showcase historical location, narrative, and perspective within the context of Bomber Command.

Secondary and tertiary history educators will evaluate the modules and artefacts to assess their educational effectiveness and explore the ethical dimensions of immersive virtual reality in history education.

Data will be collected through focus group interviews. These interviews will be transcribed and thematically coded to identify patterns, themes, and insights.

Research Significance

This research aims to provide insight into how historical sources can be digitised creatively while maintaining their integrity. It examines how immersive virtual reality can support historical understanding, perspective-taking, and engagement with ethically complex historical topics.

The project also contributes to understanding how educators can embed immersive technologies into teaching practice in meaningful and pedagogically grounded ways.

Research Outputs

The research will produce the following outputs:

  1. Immersive Virtual Reality Modules
    Three immersive learning modules presenting historical location, narrative, and perspective relating to Australia’s involvement in Allied Bomber Command during the Second World War.

  2. Educational Website
    A dedicated website providing access to the immersive virtual environments and supporting educational resources to assist interpretation and engagement.

  3. Doctoral Thesis
    A written doctoral thesis documenting the design, development, and educational application of immersive virtual reality in history education

Research Status

This research is currently in progress. Immersive learning modules and virtual reality artefacts are being developed and evaluated as part of the doctoral investigation.