Edutainment is incredibly important in the field of History. It makes learning fun and engaging. Many edutainment forms today take shape in VR/AR, games, and podcasts. I have already posted information on podcasts; this information can be found in the post “I love podcasts!’ Technology can help us embody history through the use of VR/AR and games. The primary difference between virtual reality and augmented reality is that virtual reality is completely virtual, while augmented reality can be accessed on a smartphone. An example of augmented reality is an online walk-through tour of a museum or a university campus. When looking at virtual reality and augmented reality, the viewer is submerged into historical context. The viewer has the ability to interact directly with history. This is also seen through the use of games. Historical games give an audience an opportunity to try and place themselves in the mindset of an ordinary person in whichever historical context the game is taking place in. It almost provides the player/audience with a chance to have a personal experience with the historical material.
There are also some historical events and themes that may be more suited to this type of work than others. An example of a historical event that is suited to this work is the Oregon Trail. I know that many people have probably played this game before, but I believe it is a great example of historical edutainment. When playing, you are in the mindset of an ordinary American attempting to survive the voyage that was the Oregon Trail. An example of an event/theme that would be difficult to use in this line of work would be sensitive subjects of history, such as the Holocaust. There are certain events of history, such as the Holocaust, that should be discussed in a more serious and formal setting.
