Unit 3: Educational Applications of VR

3.1 Unit Learning Activity

Over the course of the next two units the goal is for you to have the beginnings of a plan for how you will integrate Immersive VR into your course. In this unit we will look at the specific learning theories that support the use of VR as a learning tool. As you go through each of the subtopics for this unit consider how it informs the design of your own learning activities. Throughout this unit there will be reflection points where you will pause and consider how the materials you just reviewed can be applied to your own teaching plan.

In the next unit you will be asked to use this worksheet to collect your thoughts and to start outlining your plan - Using Immersive VR in Education Worksheet. It may be helpful to download it now so that you can take notes for the next unit.

To help guide the development of your teaching plan you may find it helpful to review this sample teaching plan on Using VR for Self Care. This assignment provides another example of how VR can be utilized as an instructional tool and we will also discuss this in activity later in this unit.

More about the Assignment, Using VR for Self Care

Using VR for Self Care was created by Mickey Sperlich and Steven Sturman for use in a required first-year DSW course, Doctoral Seminar in Trauma & Human Rights, at the University at Buffalo School of Social Work. This course was first offered in the fall of 2019. It is a foundational course in the Doctorate of Social Work Program (DSW). This assignment and how VR is being integrated into the DSW program will be described in more detail as part of section 3.4 VR and Experiential Learning.

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