The Potential of Media Augmented Instruction to Foster Empathy in a Foundational History Course at the Collegiate Level
Abstract: Due to globalization, the ability to genuinely connect with other humans is important because it develops an atmosphere for dialogue. Knowledge and a thorough understanding of the culture and history of one’s counterpart diminishes division and reveals human continuity. I propose that historical education provides an opportunity to develop empathy. The proliferation of information in modern society transforms the interest and learning ability of new generations. YouTube channels dedicated to gruesome acts of violence and the availability of grotesque imagery at the click of a mouse desensitized a generation. Empathy has given way to apathy. How can we reverse this process? Though my research is in its infancy, I seek the answers to these and the following question: How does the insertion of media technology, such as archival footage of eye witness testimony, into the instructional design of a history unit impact the Empathy Quotient of a student at the collegiate level?