Methodology

Survey of faculty

Our team surveyed the departments of Communication and Teacher Education. A total n=34 faculty completed the survey with n=15 for Communication and n=19 for Teacher Education. At the start of both surveys, respondents watched a short clip of a simulation tool demonstration video. For the communication department, the video included a simulated HR meeting where the computer simulation [avatar] plays the role of an upset employee and the real student acts as an HR professional to resolve a workplace conflict. For the Teacher Education Department, the computer simulation acted as 5 children in a small group and the real student acted as a teacher getting to know her students in a small group. After watching the video, respondents were asked three questions to understand how the faculty perceived the utility of the simulation tool. While both departments were asked how realistic the simulation appeared, the second and third questions were customized for each department. Respondents were given a 1-5 scale to rate from a strong positive response of 1 to a strong negative response of 5.

Efficacy of Simulations

Three questions measured how effective faculty members thought the simulations were in their respective goals.

Perceived Future Engagement

Two questions measured how likely faculty members were to try the simulation software or attend a demonstration of it during the 2020-21 year.

Focus Groups

How the focus groups were conducted.