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Skill Enhancement Exercises

Social Virtual Reality

Using virtual reality (VR) with headsets for training is an exciting way to learn by immersing yourself in a completely virtual world, where you can practice real-world skills without being physically present in the environment. Here's a simple breakdown to help you understand how it works:

1. What is Virtual Reality (VR)?

  • Immersive Digital Environment: Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that creates a computer-generated, 3D world that you can interact with. When you put on a VR headset, you are "transported" into this virtual world.
  • Headset: The VR headset is a special piece of equipment you wear on your head. It has two screens (one for each eye) and sensors that track your head movements, making it feel like you are really inside the virtual world.

2. How Does VR Training Work?

  • Putting on the Headset: When you put on the VR headset, you are visually surrounded by the virtual world. You might see a simulated room, a workplace, a classroom setting, or anything else relevant to your training.
  • Tracking Your Movements: The headset tracks the movements of your head. When you look around, turn your head, or lean forward, the virtual world responds just like the real world would. This makes the experience feel very real and interactive.
  • Controllers and Hand Tracking: Along with the headset, you usually hold controllers in your hands. These controllers let you interact with the virtual environment. For example, you can pick up objects, push buttons, or use tools, just like you would in real life. Some VR systems also use hand tracking, allowing you to move and control things with your actual hands.

3. Types of Training with VR:

  • Simulation of Real-World Scenarios: VR can recreate real-world environments where you can practice skills. For example:
    • Intake with Youth and Parent.
    • Group Work with Youth with Disabilities talking about Careers
    • Engaging Employers in Support of Pre-ETS and Hiring Youth with Disabilities.
  • Hands-On Practice: You can practice tasks in a safe, controlled environment..

4. Why VR is Good for Training:

  • Safe and Risk-Free: In VR, you can make mistakes and learn from them without real-world consequences.
  • Repeatability: You can practice the same skill as many times as you need until you feel confident.
  • Realistic and Immersive: Since VR immerses you in a virtual world, it feels more like you’re actually doing the task rather than just watching or reading about it. This can make learning faster and more effective because you're more engaged.
  • Cost-Effective: It can be cheaper than physical training in some cases. Instead of needing expensive materials or real-world simulations, you can practice over and over again in a virtual space.

5. How it Feels to Train in VR:

  • Engagement: When you’re in VR, you feel like you are truly part of the environment.

Interactive Learning: Many VR training programs involve solving problems, completing tasks, or engaging in role-playing scenarios. This hands-on approach can help reinforce what you’re learning much better than just reading or watching videos.

© 2024 - Accessible Innovative & Relevant Training for VR Counselors.

This project is funded through a grant award from the US Rehabilitation Services Administration in Innovative Training (H263C190013). It was awarded to the WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH CORPORATION, the faculty of the West Virginia University Department of Counseling and Learning Sciences, Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program; Reed College of Media; the University of West Georgia; and UWGLive. All materials are products of the grantee and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the US Department of Education and no official endorsement should be inferred.