Abstract

In this feasibility study of virtual reality (VR)-based learning, we surveyed Master of Social Work students (n = 54) to examine student perceptions of a VR client simulation (VRCS) as a preparatory tool to work with real clients. The pre-post survey examined changes in students’ perceived anxiety, stress, excitement, competency, confidence and frustration to communicate and interact with a client. We also measured changes in students’ perceived interest toward working with older adults (70+) years. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests showed statistically significant decreases in participants perceived anxiety, stress, and frustration, and statistically significant increases in participants perceived competency, confidence, and excitement to interact with a future live client as part of their practicum placement requirements. There was a statistically significant increase in participants’ perceptions that practicing with a VRCS will transfer effectively to interacting with a real live client in the future. Results also showed statistically significant increases in participant’s perceived interest to work with older adults. Outcomes suggest a VRCS may complement other learning activities in a curricular program especially at the start as an experiential strategy to prepare students for practicum.

摘要

在这项基于虚拟现实（VR）的学习的可行性研究中，我们调查了社会工作硕士学生（n = 54) 检查学生对 VR 客户端模拟 (VRCS) 作为与真实客户合作的准备工具的看法。事前调查研究了学生在与客户沟通和互动时感知到的焦虑、压力、兴奋、能力、信心和挫败感的变化。我们还测量了学生对与老年人（70 岁以上）一起工作的兴趣的变化。Wilcoxon 符号排名测试显示，作为实习安置要求的一部分，参与者感知到的焦虑、压力和挫败感在统计上显着下降，而参与者感知到的与未来现场客户互动的能力、信心和兴奋感在统计上显着增加。从统计数据来看，参与者认为使用 VRCS 进行练习将有效地转移到未来与真实客户的互动，这一看法显着增加。结果还显示，参与者对与老年人一起工作的兴趣有统计学上的显着增加。结果表明，VRCS 可以补充课程计划中的其他学习活动，尤其是在开始时作为一种体验策略，帮助学生为实习做好准备。