The Beauty of Pausability: Approximations of Teaching in a Virtual Reality Environment

• In Event: 28.090 - MTCC Roundtable Session Nine
  In Roundtable Session: 28.090-13 - Teaching and Learning in Immersive Environments

Abstract

This study investigates how teacher educators (TEs) use a virtual reality environment, Mursion, to support teacher candidates (TCs) in learning instructional practices in literacy instruction. This qualitative multi-case study included 40 TCs and three TEs in three courses across two programs at a comprehensive regional university. Data sources included videos of the simulations, TCs’ written plans and reflections, and TE reflections via field notes and memos. Findings indicate that there were similarities and differences in how TEs used the avatar technology, dependent on the teaching practices TCs were learning and their program (elementary or secondary). Both TCs and TEs identified a variety of benefits to using avatars to learn teaching practice.

Authors

• Lisa M. Barker, Towson University

• Vicki McQuitty, Towson University

• Pamela J. Hickey, Towson University