Byzantine Mosaics: Virtual Exploration Fostering Cultural Heritage Awareness Through XR and GenAI in Primary Education

Abstract

This paper presents the design and implementation of an immersive learning space developed within the Metasteps platform, aiming to cultivate cultural heritage awareness and sensitivity through experiential engagement. The project, developed by archaeologists, explores the potential of contemporary immersion technologies to approach cultural heritage in ways that are both pedagogically meaningful and experientially grounded. Drawing on principles of experiential learning and culturally responsive pedagogy, the educational prototype promotes flexibility and inclusion, enabling students to engage meaningfully with cultural narratives and representations through immersive simulations, interactive digital tools, curated content from the Ministry of Education, and Generative AI content. The main goal of the intervention is to develop cultural sensitivity among 5th-grade students, using Byzantine history class as a starting point and engagement with the art of Byzantine mosaics, while leveraging modern digital technologies. The prototype also aims to familiarize students with navigation in digital environments, foster critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills. Particular emphasis is placed on the affordances of XR environments in reconstructing cultural contexts, supporting interaction, inclusion, diversity, and fostering reflective engagement with issues of heritage representation. Preliminary observations suggest that immersive, participatory formats enhance learner motivation and foster intercultural competence. This work is an attempt to contribute to ongoing discussions on the pedagogical use of emerging technologies for cultural education, proposing a framework for integrating digital immersion into culturally sensitive learning design. The prototype also aims to show how immersive and generative digital tools can engage children in developing cultural sensitivity across diverse cultural contexts.