Topic: Technology and Innovation | Immersive Storytelling
Presenter: Viorica Lucuta
Presentation details
Storytelling in education does not only sit in spoken or written narratives; it also shapes how learners experience and make sense of learning. This workshop explores escape room-style learning activities and virtual reality (VR) scenarios as forms of experiential storytelling in the classroom. Drawing on familiar narrative archetypes such as the puzzle, the quest and the discovery of hidden knowledge, it examines how structured narrative design can support learner engagement, motivation and understanding in learning contexts.
Escape rooms operate as participatory learning narratives in which learners actively collaborate to solve problems. Progressing through interconnected challenges modelled on established story structures, students engage in communication, teamwork and critical thinking. This approach can be particularly effective for learners who may find traditional classroom methods less accessible. VR extends this narrative approach by placing learners inside immersive scenarios where they interact with situations rather than observe them from a distance. By inhabiting roles and responding to story-driven dilemmas, students often demonstrate deeper understanding and increased emotional engagement with the learning content.
The workshop considers how these approaches can be adapted for practical classroom use through the combination of physical resources, digital tools, interactive platforms and VR environments. Drawing on a mixed-methods study involving classroom observation, student surveys and focus group interviews, the research explores three areas: the impact of immersive narratives on learner motivation; their role in supporting collaboration and critical thinking; and the challenges and opportunities of blending physical, digital and virtual storytelling in teaching. The paper argues that immersive, gamified storytelling offers a rigorous and meaningful approach to learning that aligns closely with the needs and strengths of learners.
About the presenter
With over 20 years of experience in tech-enhanced teaching, Viorica brings a vibrant and innovative approach to digital training and teacher training. As an eLearning coordinator at New City College, she has led dynamic workshops across UK colleges and universities, championing AI integration, sustainability in education, and joyful learning through creative digital tools.
She has recently focused on demonstrating how physical and digital clues can be used to spark curiosity, deepen storytelling, and promote collaborative problem-solving. She has explored practical storytelling strategies to design engaging, game-based experiences that blend technology with pedagogy to transform your teaching toolkit.