Unique Features

By "fresh," we mean unique. Below, we've described what makes this program unique and distinct from other training products.

Many training programs provide webinars, non-interactive modules, and long lists of resource links. While these can be excellent sources of instruction and information, webinars may be challenging to fit into busy schedules; modules can lack experiential dynamics, and locating the information you need now from a long list of links can be like finding a needle in a haystack.

Our goal was to reach beyond the webinar and links to a training program that:

• Embraces innovation by exploring the use of state-of-the-art training modalities not used before in VR
• Provides hands-on opportunities to practice engagements with youth and employers via innovative technologies with immediate feedback
• Embraces the power of "show, don't tell" by using immersive instruction videos
• Provides opportunities to build insight and skill by listening to podcasts featuring those with years of experience, including former youth with disabilities
• Incorporates evidence-based learning strategies to facilitate learning and retention for staff with a variety of education, experience, and learning styles
• Explains the "why" behind Pre-ETS to garner better buy-in and a purpose-driven response from staff delivering Pre-ETS
• Highlights the philosophical underpinnings of VR that transform dutiful technicians into inspired VR professionals
• Provides checklists and worksheets to streamline paperwork so that counselors can focus on their clients

Evidence-Based Instruction Strategies

As noted above, we've utilized evidence-based instructional strategies that meet the learning needs of a diverse audience. One such method teaches:

"The most important single factor influencing learning is what the learner already knows." -David Ausubel

How does prior learning influence new learning, you ask? When exposed to new information, we unconsciously evaluate how it resembles what we already know. Accordingly, for seasoned counselors, we have incorporated prior learning—VR history, understandings, and principles—as a scaffold to support the addition of new knowledge. For newer counselors, that information will help build a foundation of understanding.

We've also endeavored to sprinkle learning content with evidence-based tidbits favored by those with various learning styles.

For visual perceptual learners, we've added graphics to illustrate concepts, and for the auditory learners, we've added opportunities where you can "listen in." We've incorporated hands-on activities for the kinesthetic learners, and for the reflective learners, we've blended in thought-provoking questions. We've laid out the big picture for the global learners, and for our sequential folks, we've added some step-by-step instructions.

Last but not least, for all learners, we've added an element as old as time: story. The research of notable cognitive psychologists Peg Neuhauser and Jerome Bruner revealed that learning derived from a story is remembered more accurately and far longer. Story is a powerful tool that helps us connect with new information, make sense of it, and retain it like no other.

"Stories are the most powerful form of human communication." – Peg Neuhauser

Who doesn't like a good story?

Guiding Principles

We used the following words as guiding principles to protect the intent of our program content.

• Accessible Content must be user-friendly, clear, and concise.
• InnovativeContent must engage participants through interactive and innovative modalities.
• RelevantContent must apply to VR work, providing practitioners withwhat they need to know and how to do it.

By following these guidelines, our goal was to create a learning experience that is—well, if you would kindly indulge us—a breath of fresh AIR.