THE USE OF VIRTUAL MUSEUMS FOR PATRIOTIC EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY OF COLLEGE IN BISHKEK AND BEIJING

Digital cultural heritage is creating new opportunities for patriotic education, especially in universities where young people develop their national identity.This study compares how universities in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and Beijing, China use virtual museums for this purpose.Through analysis of Kyrgyzstan's "Manas" epic museum digital twin project and various university-led virtual museum initiatives in Beijing, the research examines how institutions in both capitals employ immersive technologies to foster patriotism.Findings indicate that while both countries utilize digital tools, their approaches differ substantially in technology, institutional structure, and narrative focus.Kyrgyzstan concentrates on preserving and promoting the national epic "Manas" through state-funded digitalization with university involvement.Chinese universities, however, demonstrate more technologically advanced approaches, integrating virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and interactive platforms directly into formal curricula and campus life.This research advances understanding of how digital heritage technologies are transforming patriotic education across different national contexts and provides valuable insights for educators and policymakers working to strengthen civic education through digital innovation.