Immersion: Older than Books Themselves

Technology has done wonders, especially in the last few years. However, many repercussions have been created because of advancements in technology. Zizek mentions many including misuse of information and deception. However, much good has come from the advancements being made. “The technology, even in the space of a few years, has kept coming up with eye-opening changes” (Castronova). 

Castronova talks about how much learning and what great educational purposes technology now allow. I do agree with this, that technology allows many others to gain knowledge than ever before. This can be said however, about many types of knowledge. There are the book facts which many are able to access, and then there are conspiracy theories, gossip, scandals, and so much more that people are gaining knowledge about because of technological exposure. “And all of this learning can happen at a distance, from any sport where the Internet is accessible” (Castronova). 

Where I disagree with Castronova is when he states “synthetic worlds are also methodologically superior teaching and training tools” (Castronova). If this sentence did not include the word ‘superior’ I’d be more inclined to agree with this statement. It is true that much learning and training comes synthetic worlds. One example is the stimulation worlds pilots use to train or the battle field stimulation that the army uses. However, though this training is important and key, it is not superior to other methods of training which enforce different elements. For instance, would a pilot be fully trained without actual air time? His time actually flying a plane would be a invaluable source of training, that maybe superior to his stimulation training. However, I think it comes down to the person and their learning methods at the end. 

Castronova states that “much of learning requires immersion and immersion is what virtual worlds do” (Castronova). I do agree that immersion is required to learn. However, anyone can immerse themselves in something. I can immerse myself in a book and still learn just as much. Immersion is a choice and a sign of commitment. Those who immerse themselves in virtual worlds do so by choice; the same immersion can be done in a different tool of learning. Immersion has been done for years by people into different things; virtual worlds are just another thing on the list of things that people have immersed themselves into.