VIRTUAL REALITY - A NEW APPROACH TO VISUALIZATION AND IMAGINATION IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Abstract

The special feature of virtual reality (VR) is the high immersion and the feeling of actually being immersed in a foreign world. These special features are already used in many technical and scientific areas for illustration, learning and practice. Rapid technological progress makes it possible to create even more and better possibilities in virtual realities. The possibilities extend beyond the natural sciences and technology. Social sciences such as theology can also benefit from the impressive nature of VR. The following text is about a project of the Chair of Religious Education and Media Didactics at Goethe University in Frankfurt to optimise and apply VR for religious education. In addition to the classification in learning theories, the following article presents forms of interaction of VR and shows possibilities of embedding it in religious education. Religious education as a school subject is known to have a very personal and emotional component. This can be enhanced with VR on certain levels: change of perspective, ethical discussions, visiting historical places but also church room pedagogy can be enhanced by new dimensions. In dealing with VR in religious education, it is not a matter of replacing old methods with modern digital media, but of showing an option where digital media can contribute interest and promote experience.