Exploring the value of immersive technologies and authentic scenarios to engage students in anti-oppressive praxis

Authors

  • Dr Dyann Ross University of the Sunshine Coast
  • Dr Tina Lathouras University of the Sunshine Coast
  • Jason Riddell University of the Sunshine Coast
  • Amanda Buchanan University of the Sunshine Coast
  • Vince Puccio Community Alliance for Positive Solutions Inc., Yarloop, WA

Keywords:

Experiential Learning, Student Engagement, Immersive Technology, Authentic Scenarios, Engaged Pedagogy, Anti-oppressive Praxis

Abstract

Social work education has yet to undertake research into whether there is enhanced learning in using spatially immersive technologies in simulation methods based on authentic scenarios. The research problem is the lack of teaching resources for engaging students in role plays using authentic scenarios to enable them to demonstrate anti-oppressive praxis. The evaluative research aim is to explore if simulated responses to a real life case study using immersive technologies could engage students to embrace collaborative, experiential learning. The research methods utilised were a survey from the social work subject evaluation and a focus group with participants chosen using a purposive sample of stakeholders. The results show the value of immersive technologies and how they relate to enhancing students’ engagement in subject material and learning goals by increasing their ability to create richly crafted roles, and to design finely nuanced scenarios which are context-responsive. This equated with relevant and feasible responses to the real life case study issues. Further research is required to understand the potential for transformatory learning from the interplay of immersive technologies, real life practice issues and anti-oppressive praxis.

 

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Published

2017-12-01