The research and development project Military Education in Extended Reality (hereafter the XR-project) explores immersive technologies and new pedagogical approaches to improve teaching and learning at the master’s degree level at NDUC on the role, utility, and limitations of force in protecting civilians from violence in contemporary armed conflict. The XR-project builds on more than a decade of research on protection of civilians and the military role, synthesized and conceptualized for military planners (and master’s degree students) as a Threat-based approach to protection of civilians.

The XR-project studies whether and how a combination of immersive technologies including, but not limited to, 360°-videos and interactive Virtual Reality-applications can provide teachers with powerful educational tools. The aim is to increase students’ immediate interest in a new topic for military planners and influence life-long learning about the ideas underpinning the threat-based approach to protection of civilians. The project employs cutting edge pedagogical theories, exemplified through embodiment, where students virtually experience armed conflict situations through other’s eyes and virtual bodies, including as victims of violence, perpetrators of violence, and as military protectors. Embodiment can trigger affective and cognitive empathy that involve strong emotions both personal and logical while learning, potentially leading to longer lasting impressions and life-long learning. The XR-project combines new technological approaches with well-tested pedagogy, such as facilitated peer-to-peer learning, where students discuss dilemmas amongst themselves, guided by a mentor.