Narrative Bridges: Immersive Role-Play as a Vehicle for Creative Learning
Lisa Gjedde, Aalborg University, Dept. for Culture and Learning (Denmark)
Abstract
This presentation explores the transformative potential of narrative-driven immersive role-play experiences in primary education. Drawing on research from multiple projects, I propose a framework where the intersection of story-based environments, interactive technologies, and embodied learning creates meaningful connections between learners and educational content across subjects.
Educational institutions face the challenge of balancing curriculum standards with the need for innovation and personalized learning while remaining relevant to diverse learners. Through case studies, I demonstrate how carefully designed role-play scenarios enable participants to transcend traditional student roles and become active co-creators of knowledge. These experiences foster deeper engagement with subject matter by allowing learners to emotionally and cognitively inhabit different perspectives, making abstract concepts concrete through embodied experiences.
The presentation examines how processual methodologies can capture both immediate engagement and long-term knowledge retention across diverse learning contexts. By integrating digital technologies that enhance rather than diminish authentic learning connections, these immersive designs create what I term "narrative bridges" – experiential pathways that connect personal identity with curriculum content, fostering deeper understanding and application.
This approach addresses critical questions of inclusion, motivation, and creative learning while offering practical strategies for educators in both formal and informal learning environments. The findings suggest that narrative-driven immersive role-play represents a powerful yet underutilized approach for achieving transformative learning outcomes that foster curiosity and adaptability in an increasingly complex world.