Date
5-22-2024
Department
School of Communication and the Arts
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Chair
Carol Hepburn
Keywords
media equation theory, interactive media, virtual reality, strategic media, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, DEIB, communication, communication training, immersive media, immersive technology
Disciplines
Communication
Recommended Citation
Oetken, Michael L., "Using Media Equation Theory to Assess the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Technology in Organizational Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Training" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 5701.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/5701
Abstract
The emergence of immersive virtual reality media technology is providing human beings with a new communication platform to engage beyond the traditional frameworks of video media, audio media, and static webpages on the Internet. These communication media technologies offer users an immersive environment in which they are able to communicate and interact with fellow human beings and non-human entities in life-like mannerisms. Most importantly, this technology also has the potential to bridge gaps and solve problems within the context of certain cultural and societal issues. The issue of communication deficiencies surrounding the area of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) is one that holds significant value for many individuals, organizations, and institutions. This research study explores how the use of virtual reality media in the form of a DEIB training module can aid in more efficient and meaningful organizational training related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging communication strategies.
