Cultivating Cultural Heritage and Fostering Belonging in Communities through Digital and Non-Digital Technologies in Generative STEAM Education

The predominance of Western thought, traditionally dualistic and reductionist, has simplified and devalued the complexity and richness of the historical-cultural heritage, including the tangible and intangible heritage of lagging communities and Indigenous peoples across the globe. With the increasing globalisation and migration of people from one place to another, the preservation of cultural identity has become a significant concern for communities worldwide; thus, we ask ourselves: How can the past (material and intangible historical-cultural heritage of lagging communities and Indigenous peoples) be kept alive in the present? Here, we propose that digital technology has the potential to play a vital role in helping communities maintain a sense of cultural belonging. Digital technology offers numerous possibilities for communities to preserve, document, revitalise, (re-)connect and share their cultural heritage, allowing them to maintain a sense of belonging with their roots and history. One of the most significant benefits of digital technology is the ability to document and preserve cultural artefacts, traditions and practices. Moreover, digital technology can enable communities to engage further with their cultural heritage while sharing this with a broader audience and/or other communities in similar situations. With the rise of immersive technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality, and technology such as 3D manufacturing, electronics and biomaterials, cultural experiences can be brought to people worldwide, allowing individuals to learn and appreciate different cultures without physically being present. By focusing on a case study from the commune of La Higuera, IV Region of Chile, we will explore the potential of digital and non-digital technology to keep the past alive in the present and for the future while providing key design principles for others to follow and be inspired by.