Entertainment Education Research Articles

Immersive technologies between technicization and human dimension: general aspects and applications

Aim. The paper offers an overview of the most studied and used immersive tech- nologies to date, considering the main applications and possible related experiments. In recent years, the technological revolution is profoundly changing humanity’s way of life. Immersive Technologies, in particular Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), are changing the relationship between humans and technology. Methods. Immersive technologies are introduced starting from a historical point of view, through a possible definition and concepts that describe in particular AR and VR, towards the recent developments. Results. Industry, the entertainment sector, marketing, medicine, education and training are considered as main fields of application. Then the focus goes on the disci- pline of Public Speaking, considering its challenges, techniques and benefits. Conclusions. The potential benefits of AR and VR in the considered application fields are highlighted, and a discussion of a study conducted at the University of Padova (Italy) relating to Public Speaking, are indicated. Negative aspects related to issues such as pri- vacy and control are also highlighted.

The Power of Puppetry as an Arts-Based Tool for Health and Disability Communication Research

ABSTRACT In this article, we argue that using puppetry as a tool for arts-based research can enhance existing health and disability communication scholarship. We position interdisciplinary puppetry research alongside concepts and theories of interest to communication scholars, including entertainment education, embodiment and performance, communicated narrative sense-making, and dialogue. Then, we share an illustrative case study from our research with the nonprofit organization, MicheLee Puppets. Drawing from interviews with five puppeteers, we describe how the Live Puppet Chat program created unexpected opportunities to connect with neurodiverse spectators during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our “crystalized” narrative and thematic analysis demonstrates how puppeteers used puppet-objects to facilitate dialogue with chat participants. This involved (a) suspending disbelief, (b) suspending judgment, (c) communicating through the lens of (neurodiverse) empowerment, and (c) improvising for empowerment.

Clean vs green: the impact of reading short stories on sustainable and healthy cleaning behaviours

Fact-based information campaigns aimed at encouraging more sustainable behaviour have typically resulted in minor effects that tend not to last. Scholars in the fields of entertainment education have proposed storytelling as an alternative strategy. Most existing studies have focused on health communication, but there is increasing interest in exploring storytelling to promote pro-environmental behaviours. Our focus in this study are behaviours which have both health and environmental implications: personal cleaning, household cleaning, and laundry. In a study using both quantitative and qualitative analyses (from a survey to which 77 individuals responded), we find that messages embedded into a short story significantly changed behavioural intentions in readers across all three domains. Readers reported gaining knowledge from the stories, in terms of the specific products and practices that one could undertake and with respect to the commonly held misconception that aggressive cleaning practices in the home (e.g., high temperatures, strong chemicals) are beneficial to human health. Results have implications for interventions aimed at promoting behaviours that have joint benefits for human and environmental health.

The future of medicine or a threat? Artificial intelligence representation in Chicago Med

The eighth season of the American medical drama series Chicago Med (2015–) represented the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in a hospital environment with multiple storylines. Born in the 1950s, medical dramas are among the most popular forms of serial television. Traditionally, the genre aims for a certain amount of accuracy and has educational goals. Former studies investigated the entertainment education and cultivation effects of these series, concluding that these dramas have the potential to contribute information and shape viewers’ opinions on various health-related topics. Chicago Med is a long-running broadcast production with a worldwide audience and considerable viewership. This paper analyzes the series’ representation of medical AI and discusses how this portrayal potentially shapes the audience’s opinion. The research started by identifying artificial intelligence-related storylines in the 22 episodes of the season. The analysis focused on the reasons and outcomes of AI applications, the character’s attitudes, and the ethical issues, including transparency, selective adherence, automation bias, responsibility gap, hallucination, unequal access, and political dimensions. The storyline analysis concluded that Chicago Med provided thought-provoking positive and negative scenarios about applying different types of AI in the surgical and emergency departments. The complex portrayal included groundbreaking opportunities, challenges, dangers, and ethical considerations. The main characters’ attitudes varied, from strong support or opposition to more nuanced, shifting opinions. The educative and engaging content has a potential for knowledge transfer and encourages critical thinking about medical AI.

Crop Farmers' Enterprise Information Needs In Reality Television Show Utilization In Oyo State, Nigeria

The emerging scenario of robust Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services (AEAS) in Africa presupposes the need for Reality Television Shows (RTS) to support AEAS demand and delivery Systems. A variant of the entertainment-education (EE) genre, RTS provides an ample platform for effective AEAS. Given this, this study investigated crop farmers’ information needs in RTS utilization in Oyo State, Nigeria. A four-stage sampling procedure was used to select 140 crop farmers who own a television set randomly, while data was collected with the use of a structured questionnaire on respondents’ characteristics, perceived benefits and constraints to utilization of RTS and information needs on farmers’ crop enterprises from RTS. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means and PPMC at P= 0.05. Findings show that respondents were predominantly male (68.6%), married (65.7%) with tertiary education (40.0%), while mean age, farming experience and annual income were 46.10±13.395years 11.36±8.83years and N464464.29±95,805.94, respectively. The likelihood of RTS to facilitate the adoption of improved technologies (4.41±3.11) and the provision of information on key factors like marketing channels and production cost (2.73±3.11) were some of the perceived benefits by respondents. However, they had reservations about the language barrier (2.3643±4.9081) as a constraint to the maximal exploitation of the potentials of RTS. Respondents’ information need was high for irrigation system (2.61±2.54), harvesting activities (1.96±0.81), and marketing outlets (3.00±2.05), across production, harvesting and marketing information needs. It is recommended that proposed RTS should use local language for RTS dissemination, while addressing the most pressing information needs of the crop farmers.

Representation of Journalists' Professionalism in the Film a Taxi Driver

Film is a mass communication medium that combines audio, visuals, and narration to convey stories, and information, and serves as a medium of entertainment and education for the audience. One such film that provides both entertainment and historical education is A Taxi Driver, which falls under the genres of drama, history, and politics. This film is based on the true story of a taxi driver who inadvertently became involved in the Gwangju uprising of 1980 after helping a German journalist cover the events in Gwangju. The purpose of this research is to understand the representation of journalistic professionalism in the film A Taxi Driver according to the Code of Ethics of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) using a descriptive qualitative research method with Roland Barthes' semiotic analysis. The results of this study identify several scenes in the film A Taxi Driver that illustrate the articles of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Code of Ethics through various actions of Peter, who plays the journalist. Among them: Article 1 "Respect for Truth" is reflected when Peter visits Gwangju to validate information from Reporter Lee. Article 2 "Freedom of the Press" is evident when Peter attempts to record events at the shooting site. Article 3 "Fair Methods to Obtain Information" is shown by his bravery in recording amid the riots. Article 8 "Transparency" is seen in Peter's promise to publish news about the chaos in Gwangju once he returns to Japan. Article 12 "Solidarity" highlights by his efforts to save Kim's life, compensate for the damage to Kim's taxi, and his desire to reunite with Kim to repay his kindness. Article 15 "Humanity" is demonstrated through Peter's actions of recording the bodies of Gu Jae-sik and the victims of military violence, as well as helping to evacuate the shooting victims.

Form, Function and Meaning of “Satua I Siap Selem” (A Cultural Linguistic Review)

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to describe the form, function (of language) and meaning of Satua (Folklore) I Siap Selem from a Cultural Linguistic perspective. Research methods: This research is descriptive qualitative in nature using primary data collected using the observation method with the help of note-taking techniques. Data were analyzed using the matching method and the agih method and the results were presented using formal and informal techniques. Results and discussion: The form of Satua I Siap Selem is a discourse in the form of fictional prose. The general function of Satua I Siap Selem is as a means of entertainment, while based on the communicative function of language its functions are informational, expressive, directive, aesthetic and phatic. The implied meaning of Satua I Siap Selem states mutual love and togetherness, mutual respect and mutual help, evil or cunning, ingenuity and responsibility, as well as stupidity. Implications: Satua I Siap Selem contains a good life philosophy and moral messages so it is very good to serve as bedtime entertainment and character education for children.

Chabot’s as Entertaining Content for the Youth in Pakistan

This study investigates the impact of chatbots as a form of entertainment on Pakistani youth. Chatbots have gained popularity for providing personalized and engaging experiences through conversational interfaces. However, limited research addresses their effects specifically as entertainment for young people in Pakistan. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, this study gathers in-depth insights from six purposively sampled Pakistani youth familiar with chatbots. Guided by social cognitive theories, entertainment education, and media influence frameworks, the research employs in-depth interviews and content analysis to explore participant’s perceptions and interactions with chatbots. The findings reveal the potential benefits and drawbacks of chatbots as entertainment, highlighting their influence on youth behavior, attitudes, and information acquisition. Additionally, the results offer guidance for developing responsible digital entertainment platforms that consider cultural nuances and developmental needs. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and content creators to thoughtfully integrate chatbots into the entertainment industry for Pakistani youth.

Stratergi Pembelajaran Edutaiment Dalam Pembelajaran

The use of learning strategies that combine aspects of entertainment is known as "edutainment" or entertainment education. This strategy aims to make the learning process more interesting and enjoyable, thereby increasing student motivation and involvement. Implementing this edutainment strategy not only makes learning more enjoyable, but can also improve students' knowledge retention, critical thinking skills and collaboration abilities. In the edutainment concept, the essence of the learning process is to create a pleasant, comfortable and amazing atmosphere, thereby facilitating the formation of a harmonious and dynamic relationship between teachers and students. Through a pedagogical dedactic approach with redagonistic nuances, the interactions that occur between teachers and students become not only effective but also relaxed and free, allowing students to interact without fear or limitations. This is very important because when students feel comfortable with their learning environment, they are more likely to actively engage and acquire knowledge in a more effective and enjoyable way. In implementing edutainment learning strategies, there are certainly advantages and disadvantages, but this is something that is common in every learning strategy. Because learning strategies are applied not to be forced but according to the needs of the ongoing learning process.

Health Motivation in the Influencer Era: Analyzing Entertainment, Personal, and Social Media Role Models

ABSTRACT This research explored how personal and entertainment role models motivate an individual’s health goals, and how following a role model on social media affects this process. A survey of 404 adults revealed that identifying a personal role model, such as a family member, friend, or healthcare professional, had a stronger influence on health motivation in comparison to identifying an entertainment role model. Additionally, our findings indicated that following any role model on social media, whether a personal acquaintance or a celebrity, enhanced motivation. Role model attributes that mediated these relationships included perceived similarity, and in some instances, positive and negative norm deviance. This study highlights the importance of leveraging role model relationships in health communication campaigns and developing authentic influencer-driven health initiatives that feature relatable entertainment figures. Additionally, this research supports the need for further examination of how a role model’s perceived positive or negative norm deviance influences motivational capability. We discuss implications for the motivational theory of role modeling, health promotion, and entertainment education.

Gamified Violin Playing in Virtual Reality Based Metaverse Environment

Violin is one of the most significant musical instruments of both Turkish and western music. It is a stringed instrument played with a bow. Due to its fretless nature, it is relatively difficult to learn and play the instrument, compared with other musical instruments. In this study, a violin has been modeled to be played in virtual reality and metaverse environment is for a better and more entertaining violin education. Even if the student does not actually have a violin in hand, by means of virtual reality glasses, the modeled violin can be seen in the virtual reality environment. The camera of the Oculus Quest 2 Virtual Reality Glasses and haptic gloves are used to sense the both student's finger pressing and bow movements. By means of this study, the student does not need to own a real violin. Considering that a good violin has a high cost, the student will not need to spend high cost to buy the instrument. Besides, the biggest problem of the violin and other stringed musical instruments is the tuning of the instrument. Without a good tuning, the strings will not sound harmoniously and the student will not be able to play correctly because of not hearing the correct sound. Tuning ability needs some experience. But there is no tuning problem in the violin modeled in this study since it does not have real strings which means that even a beginner level student will not have a tuning problem. Also, in this study, while playing various exercises and songs, the musical notes needed to be pressed on the violin are highlighted to ensure that the student confirms whether to play correctly. The study is an alternative material of violin education in a more entertaining way.

Virtual Excursions in Vocational Education and Training

In connection with the rapid development of modern means of communication, there is also a very rapid development of technologies using virtual reality as either a means of entertainment or modern education. The article discusses the possibilities of using virtual education or education based on the use of virtual reality in general. However, the primary attention is paid to analysing the use of virtual reality in the secondary vocational school environment. Additionally, it presents a concept of a virtual excursion aimed at the automated production process of processing aluminium profiles for the automotive industry.

Solving puzzles, playing games: The potential and pitfalls of entertainment education in teaching about sexuality

This paper explores the potential of entertainment education (EE) in teaching about sexuality, especially in terms of (1) addressing gaps and instigating an approach that is more (2) youth-centred and (3) norm-critical than conventional sex education. Based on the analysis of five projects in the Netherlands (escape room, educational theatre performance, interactive website, offline game, VR production), we argue that these methods attend to often-overlooked themes. Moreover, they allow for higher levels of student activity and student responsibility: elements of a youth-centred approach. Yet, EE-initiatives are not by themselves more norm-critical, and we observed inequality practices such as heteronormativity and victim-blaming. In our conclusion, we define crucial conditions for realising the potential of EE in teaching about sexuality.

Using Student Choice for Engaged Learning in Sport, Tourism, Recreation, and Live Entertainment Education

Fostering engaged learning in higher education contributes to students’ lifelong learning. Additionally, engaged learning prepares graduates to transfer their learning to the workplace, which is particularly important in pre-professional sport, tourism, recreation, and live entertainment (STRLE) programs. Engaged learning entails students actively and intentionally participating in their own learning, and learning autonomy is fundamental to their ownership of the learning enterprise. Student choice can be implemented as an engaged learning pedagogy by supporting student autonomy. Offering students choices in the classroom can increase engagement, enjoyment, and motivation; build competence and higher order thinking skills; and improve student success. Faculty engaged in this praxis in a sport management program at a small, private college. To further enhance student success, STRLE faculty can implement student choice following the recommended best practices. Offering choices that align with student interests and values, and provide connection and competence, best support autonomy. Faculty should also demonstrate warmth, flexibility, and consistency to increase the effectiveness of providing student choices. This commentary explores the literature on student choice as an engaged learning practice, illustrates a practice example, and makes recommendations for effectively applying student choice in the STRLE classroom.

Guest Editors’ Introduction

The intention of this special issue of Sports Innovation Journal is to support academic discourse regarding engaged learning practices in sport, tourism, and live entertainment education. As a result, this work encourages thought and dialogue related to innovative practices, academic investigation, and conversations around both theory and practice to better serve all students and move these fields forward.

The Transformation and Innovation of the Sports Industry in the Digital Age

This paper explores the transformation and innovation of the sports industry in the digital era. By analyzing the application of digital technology in sports events, sports entertainment, and sports education, as well as the resulting transformation of the sports industry and the emergence of new industries, the paper further discusses the development of data-driven and intelligent sports industry in the digital age, along with the impact of industry convergence and innovation. In addition, the paper analyzes the role of social media in the sports industry, including interaction between athletes, clubs, and fans, channels for disseminating event information, and promotion of sports brands. Finally, it summarizes the opportunities and challenges brought by the digital era to the sports industry.

Civic Education and Artistic Innovation on New York City’s Dancemobile, 1967-1988

The Dancemobile—an initiative of the Harlem Cultural Council and New York City (NYC) Department of Cultural Affairs—was a flatbed truck that brought free dance concerts to over one million New Yorkers, in all five boroughs, between 1966 and 1988. The program had an artistic aim to showcase the work of Black choreographers within communities of color, and thus became a vital forum for defining “Black dance” within the broader Black Arts Movement. But Dancemobile also had a political mission within the framework of violence prevention and “cool out,” aiming to provide communities with an outlet for channeling grievances into fellowship with neighbors. Dancemobile choreography addressed issues of importance to their audiences, including drug addiction, mass incarceration, and police brutality. This article examines Dancemobile’s origins, operations, and outcomes, revealing how the program used live performance as cultural activism, combatting the isolating effects of urban renewal with entertainment and political education.

INVOLVEMENT OF CELEBRITIES IN YOUTH PROGRAMS: A CASE STUDY OF THE ENTERTAINMENT-EDUCATION APPROACH AT THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

Indonesian youth can potentially be agents of change but also as a development problem. This article looks at the potential youth have to overcome the problems young people face. The Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia has a communication strategy. Development of communication is carried out by implementing an entertainment-education (EE) approach to youth empowerment. Entertainment education in youth development by the Ministry of Youth through a popular culture approach invites celebrities. The method used is directly observing youth programs and activities from a literature study. Entertainment Education, or the edutainment approach, combines participatory communication strategies and the diffusion communication model. The results of the EE approach involving celebrities gain broader and greater access to information and youth involvement. EE, as a model of social and behavioral change, has been proven to turn young people into agents of change.

Trust but verify? A social epistemology framework of knowledge acquisition and verification practices for fictional entertainment

Abstract Fictional entertainment can serve as a vivid and easily comprehensible source of knowledge, but only if audiences are able to tell its kernel of truth apart from fantasy. In this article, we use the lens of social epistemology to develop a theoretical framework of knowledge acquisition and verification practices for fictional entertainment that integrates various extant lines of work on entertainment education, perceived realism, information processing, credibility assessment, and verification strategies. To flesh out the conceptual model derived from top-down theoretical integration, we use an inductive, bottom-up approach to theory building, assisted by qualitative research. The resulting model describes knowledge acquisition from fiction as an essentially social process characterized by a combination of epistemic trust and epistemic vigilance toward fictional content and sources, in which credibility is assessed via social knowledge sharing and verification practices.

Entertainment Education and Citizens’ Participation in COVID-19 Pandemic Response: A Case Study of Chinese Citizens on Social Media

(1) Background: Chinese citizens using entertainment education (EE) strategies on social media have played a pivotal role in responding to the COVID-19 crisis, especially when facing insufficient government support. Thus, this research aims to study the adoption of EE strategies on social media by Chinese citizens and its affordance for crisis responses. (2) Methods: We implemented a qualitative case study by analyzing the vlog series Wuhan Diary 2020 on Sina Weibo to examine the characteristics of the EE strategies used by Chinese citizens, with special attention to citizen participation. (3) Results: The initial phases of the lockdown saw substantial public attention garnered by this approach. The incorporation of solidarity and empathy proved essential for effective communication during the period of crisis response, evident from positive audience feedback and its widespread diffusion. However, a decrease in attention concurrent with the end of the lockdown has also been noticed. (4) Conclusions: The social value and affordance of EE strategies employed by citizens in the short term was confirmed. However, the decline of attention in the post-crisis period indicates the uncertainty of the long-term impact of this approach. This phenomenon also underscores the ambivalence of social media due to the limitations imposed by digital capitalism.