Exploring Miao culture: The differential effect of traditional 2D and immersive 360° documentary formats on viewer learning

This study explores the comparative effects of traditional 2D and immersive 360° documentary formats on educational outcomes and knowledge retention broadly on ethnic minority culture, represented by the Miao culture, one of the most representative in the country. As digital platforms dominate cultural education, understanding how advancements in storytelling, particularly immersive media, impact learning is crucial. Using visual materials capturing Miao villages, folk dances, and crafts as a case study, the study produced documentaries in both formats. Eighty-four participants engaged with these documentaries, providing data on knowledge retention and viewer engagement. Participants viewing the 360° format reported higher self-assessed content recall compared to those viewing 2D documentaries. However, this perceived enhancement did not align with actual performance in quizzes, indicating a significant difference between perceived and actual knowledge retention. Findings suggest that while 360° documentaries may enhance viewer engagement in cultural contexts, they do not necessarily improve memory retention over traditional 2D formats. The findings challenge prevailing assumptions about the educational advantage of immersive 360° technology and emphasise the importance of a critical re-evaluation of these technological innovations in the context of digital heritage education.