At the 2024 Pacific Ancient and Modern Language Association conference, Manuel Gómez-Navarro, a Spanish lecturer in the Department of World Languages, presented a paper titled “Engaging Minds: Immersive Technologies and Hispanic Literature Pedagogy.” In his presentation, he examined the innovative application of immersive technologies to enhance student engagement with Hispanic literature and culture at the university level, proposing a transformative approach to literary studies.
Gómez-Navarro’s talk highlighted various methodologies and pedagogical strategies, including Boise State’s Keith and Catherine Stein Luminary. The main focus was on an immersive literature project based on Julio Cortázar’s short story “La noche boca arriba” developed together with the University of Oslo, Norway. These initiatives leverage virtual reality and interactive storytelling to break traditional classroom boundaries, immersing students in narratives to deepen comprehension and cultural insight. By integrating these cutting-edge tools into his curriculum, he aims to address the needs of modern students, fostering critical thinking and cultural awareness. The session concluded with an exploration of the immersive literature project’s goals, structure and outcomes, emphasizing how these immersive experiences enhance student engagement and promote deeper learning.