Technology-Enhanced Cultural Heritage Education: A Socio-Technical Framework for Measuring Learning Efficacy and Community Engagement

Abstract

Cultural heritage education (CHE) plays a pivotal role in preserving intangible cultural assets and fostering cultural identity. However, traditional CHE models face limitations in interactivity, accessibility, and personalized learning, while the effectiveness of technology-integrated interventions remains underexplored.This study proposes a socio-technical framework integrating virtual reality (VR) experiences, gamified learning modules, and community co-creation platforms to enhance CHE outcomes. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining Difference-in-Differences (DID) analysis, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), and Random Forest (RF) algorithm to evaluate the framework’s impact.A total of 240 participants from three cultural heritage sites in China were divided into experimental groups (technology-enhanced CHE, n = 160) and control groups (traditional lecture-based CHE, n = 80). Quantitative results showed that the experimental group achieved significantly higher learning outcomes (DID = 0.187, p < 0.001) and community engagement (DID = 0.213, p < 0.001) compared to the control
group. PLS-SEM identified VR immersive experience (β = 0.342, p < 0.001) and gamified task completion (β = 0.297, p < 0.001 ) as key predictors of learning efficacy, while RF analysis revealed cultural identity (importance weight = 38.6%) and social interaction (importance weight = 32.1%) as dominant factors influencing community engagement. Qualitative findings from interviews and focus groups further confirmed the framework’s ability to bridge technological accessibility and cultural authenticity.This study contributes to CHE theory by establishing a socio-technical evaluation model that integrates learning outcomes and community engagement. Practically, it provides evidence-based guidelines for designing technology-enhanced CHE programs, emphasizing the synergy between immersive technologies, gamification, and community participation. The findings offer valuable insights for cultural heritage managers, educators, and policymakers seeking to innovate CHE practices in the digital era.