IN-PERSON Prague Research & Teaching Conference

Abstract

Immersive audio education challenges conventional teaching methods by integrating creative practice and academic inquiry, fostering transdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on experimentation. At Arizona State University’s Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center, experimental sound classes and initiatives bring together students from diverse backgrounds—including screenwriting, projection mapping, music, and post-production—to explore how spatial audio shapes both real and virtual environments. These courses develop skills not only in technical workflows but also in creative problem-solving and artistic expression. Experimental classes such as “Immersive Aspects of Sound” embody a pedagogical approach inspired by Paulo Freire’s philosophy, viewing students as subjects rather than objects of the world. This perspective encourages critical engagement and collective intelligence, empowering students to take ownership of their learning. Some arrive with strong technical skills, while others come from creative roles like writing and directing. Through hands-on, collaborative projects, they learn to think of sound not just as a technical element but as a design tool that shapes spatial perception and storytelling. Students work with a range of object and scene-based audio tools, including Dolby Atmos, Ambisonics, Meyer Sound Spacemap Go, Sound Particles, Spat Revolution, and Unity. The curriculum covers immersive media formats such as XR, 360° video, sound installations, and film, engaging students in real-world applications that extend beyond conventional classroom settings. By fostering creative autonomy and interdisciplinary thinking, these experimental practices prepare students for the evolving demands of immersive media production and innovative creative industries. The presentation will share examples from these projects, reflecting on both challenges and successes in advancing immersive audio literacy through collaborative and reflective pedagogical models.