Chapter 8: User-Engaged Critical Thinking Abilities Through 360-Degree Virtual Reality Documentaries

This chapter investigates how selected 360-degree VR documentaries foster critical thinking abilities among journalism students. A qualitative methodology was employed, and group discussions were conducted for data collection. The analysis was based on the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal test, where four components are considered parameters for measuring students' critical thinking abilities. The study measures the analytical abilities, reasoning, interpretation, and logical conclusions that students can draw using the 360-degree VR documentaries. The results indicate a positive reception of virtual reality technology in enhancing critical thinking abilities using 360-degree virtual reality documentaries. VR documentaries engage the audience with their storytelling format, which accelerates their thought process and increases the immersive experience of the medium. The data also reflects how VR can be a powerful medium for addressing sensitive issues with an intensity that can pull authorities into implementing powerful policies. However, this chapter also highlights the constraints associated with the medium, which future researchers and content creators should consider to mitigate the challenges. Additionally, the limited content availability is considered a drawback of the study, which restricts the medium from reaching potential audiences. This chapter marks a pioneering attempt in India to understand how 360-degree VR documentaries enhance critical thinking abilities. This chapter's positive results offer an opportunity for educators to adopt the technology to create hybrid classrooms, thereby increasing students' engagement in the learning process.