During the past year, the Teaching, Learning and Technology Center (TLTC), in collaboration with academic and non -academic departments, tested the use of virtual reality (VR) to improve learning experiences and student participation. On the basis of the success of these efforts, two virtual reality cars are now available to support teaching, training and professional development throughout the university, one located in Jubilee Hall and another on the Interprofessional Health Sciences Campus (IHS).
VR offers students immersive and practical experiences that deepen commitment and make tangible abstract concepts. Connect the theory with practice, promote collaboration and build real world skills. For example, nursing students recently participated in a simulation entitled “Mass triage training of the first VR responder”, where they moved patients, collaborated with EMS and sailed the complexities of a large -scale accident.
“The use of virtual reality technology has allowed students to work in a simulated and low -risk environment that is not easily done in the physical world. Through immersive experiences, students apply the skills they are learning in their courses, receive immediate comments and get involved in collaboration with their classmates,” said Leslie Rippon, Ph.D., after the first mass training. “Student comments have been overwhelmingly positive, and many reported greater knowledge, trust and empathy.”
The VR has also been introduced into communication -centered contexts. Renee Robinson, Ph.D., tested the use of virtualspeech application with students in the Program of Educational Opportunities (EOP) this summer. The platform allowed students to speak publicly in simulated environments, while providing immediate comments to both students and teachers about elements such as the ocular movement, the gestures of the hands, the rhythm and the delivery of audio. The recordings also allowed subsequent review and reflection.
“VR and VirtualSpeech will also be implemented in the postgraduate curriculum this semester in the training and development course,” Robinson explained. “The application allows a lot of immersion role games in soft skills that evaluate the communication behaviors of students ranging from active listening to conflict management to leadership communication in several contexts to name a few.”
To start and explore current offers, visit the VR website.
Categories: Science and Technology