Remembering 9/11: Using Virtual Reality to Teach Homeland Security
The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, were a pivotal moment in American history. In the aftermath, many Americans vowed to "always remember" the events of that day. As a university freshman on the time, I never imagined that those events would shape my life’s work, from volunteering with the Red Cross in New York City to teaching homeland security as a professor over 20 years later.
The Challenge of Teaching 9/11 to a New Generation
Today, my students haven’t any living memory of the 9/11 attacks, despite the indisputable fact that the legacy of that day continues to shape the country they live in. As the present administration uses the Department of Homeland Security to implement its policy objectives, it’s essential for college students to know the historical context of the selections made within the aftermath of 9/11. The decisions to invade Afghanistan and Iraq, in addition to to create the Department of Homeland Security, were policy decisions made by the George W. Bush administration within the early 2000s. However, it’s possible to assume another timeline where the United States selected not to interact in wars and as an alternative focused on addressing the foundation causes of terrorism.
Understanding the Past to Inform the Present
Those who remember the aftermath of the attacks can reflect on the policy decisions made in response to the general public’s uncertainty and fear. However, for members of Gen Z, 9/11 is history. To help them understand the importance of the event, I’ve found that using virtual reality within the classroom generally is a powerful tool. By using VR, students can experience the gravity of the attacks in a way that is each immersive and thought-provoking.
Using Virtual Reality to Teach 9/11
My institution, Rider University, received funding to buy virtual reality headsets, which I’ve used to create a novel learning experience for my students. I assign a brief documentary, "Surviving 9/11: 27 Hours Under the Rubble," which follows the story of Genelle Guzman-McMillan, certainly one of the last people to be pulled from the rubble on the World Trade Center. The documentary is designed for use with a VR headset, allowing students to experience the destruction and chaos of the attacks in a way that is each personal and relatable.
Creating a Safe and Effective Learning Environment
When using VR within the classroom, it’s essential to think about the potential impact on students. I’ve taken care to pick out a documentary that conveys the importance of the event without gratuitous violence or trauma. Additionally, I’ve made sure to have alternative assignments available for college students who may not have the ability to make use of the VR headsets as a result of vision problems or other issues.
Conclusion
Using virtual reality to show homeland security has been a game-changer for my students. By providing an immersive and thought-provoking experience, I’ve been capable of stimulate their interest in a critically necessary subject. As the present administration continues to make use of the apparatuses of the homeland security state to perform its policy goals, it’s more necessary than ever that students understand the historical context of the selections made within the aftermath of 9/11. By using VR, I’ve been capable of help my students bear witness to the events of that day, while also facilitating critical evaluation of the mistakes of the past. As we move forward, it’s essential that we remember the teachings of 9/11 and work towards making a more just and secure future for all.
