Homo Ludens Featured on The Versatilist Podcast

Homo Ludens was featured in the «Immersive Learning in the Cradle of Western Civilization» podcast series, recorded as part of the iLRN Conference 2026 in Athens.

In this episode of The Versatilist, Ioanna Ntavlourou and Ilias Stouraitis joined Patrick M. O'Shea, Professor of Instructional Technology and Director of the Media, Technology & Learning Design Program at Appalachian State University, for a conversation on the future of learning through technology, play, and emerging forms of storytelling.

During the discussion, they presented the Homo Ludens approach, which views history and cultural heritage not as static information to be transmitted, but as living experiences that people actively explore, shape, and experience through participation.

The conversation explored:

• the role of play as a tool for creating meaning rather than merely entertainment,
• the city as a «living memory map» filled with stories, monuments, and traces of the past,
• the integration of historical research with digital technologies and interactive storytelling,
• and the potential of immersive learning to create new ways for people to engage with places, cultural heritage, and history.

The podcast offered an opportunity for Homo Ludens to share its vision and interdisciplinary work with an international academic audience, contributing to the ongoing dialogue on innovative approaches to cultural education, gamification, and immersive learning.

Listen to the episode here: The Versatilist