Virtual Reality Transforms Humanities Education at Penn State

February 12, 2026 - 19:31

A pioneering initiative at Penn State is bringing cutting-edge digital tools into the heart of humanities education. Mariah Kupfner, an assistant professor of American studies and public heritage, is leading the charge to integrate virtual reality and 3D scanning into her classrooms.

As a 2024-2026 Teaching and Learning with Technology Faculty Fellow, Kupfner is moving beyond traditional textbooks. Her work allows students to digitally explore historical sites and cultural artifacts in immersive detail. This approach aims to deepen engagement and understanding in subjects like history, literature, and heritage studies.

By employing 3D scanning technology, students can examine and interact with precise digital replicas of objects that may be fragile, distant, or otherwise inaccessible. Virtual reality environments then enable learners to step inside reconstructed historical settings, fostering a powerful, experiential connection to the material.

Kupfner’s project challenges the conventional boundaries of humanities instruction, demonstrating that technology is not solely for the sciences. It offers a dynamic new method for critical analysis, preservation, and storytelling. This innovative pedagogy prepares students with both digital literacy and a profoundly enriched perspective on human culture and history, setting a new standard for interdisciplinary learning.