Reviving Wonder: How a Sense of Awe Enhances Digital Learning View Digital Media

Poster Session
Jason Waldow,  Lindsey J.  

This study explores the transformative power of awe in nurturing lifelong learning and curiosity among students, with a particular focus on its application in both traditional and digital learning environments. In educational contexts often constrained by routine and rigid curricula, incorporating awe-inspiring experiences—such as marveling at natural phenomena, engaging with profound art, or delving into significant historical sites—can spark a sense of wonder that enriches and deepens the learning process. This approach is especially relevant in online learning, where the digital environment offers unique opportunities to simulate awe-inspiring moments through virtual explorations, interactive media, and immersive storytelling. Drawing on Maxwell’s (2017) findings, which highlight awe’s ability to elevate emotions and enhance well-being, and Prade and Saroglou’s (2016) research demonstrating its potential to boost prosocial behaviors like generosity and altruism, this session advocates for the intentional integration of awe into educational practices across all platforms. Furthermore, McGlynn (2023) emphasizes how awe fosters a sense of connectedness and respect for diverse forms of life, promoting a holistic educational approach that cultivates empathy and respect—values that resonate powerfully in collaborative online settings. This presentation seeks to motivate educators to design both physical and virtual learning spaces where awe and wonder are not fleeting occurrences but core components of the educational experience, thereby boosting student engagement, creativity, and a sustained passion for learning throughout their lives.