Preparing Instructional Leaders Through an Immersive Simulation: A Design Case

• In Event: Designing for Games, Simulations, and Virtual Learning Environments

Abstract

In this design case, we leveraged an immersive scenario software tool, MURSION, to create a teacher conference simulation for pre-service administrators. This simulation addresses a critical gap in instructional leadership and supervision. The utilization of MURSION enabled participants to conduct a live conference with virtual teacher avatars. In contrast to other educational leadership simulations using more scripted formats, MURSION’s live component provides more immediacy and assesses whether participants can both transfer and convey their understanding of instructional pedagogy in real time. We share our design process and lessons learned from the pilot test. We then conclude with recommendations for how immersive simulations could be used in educational leadership programs to build instructional leadership capacity.

Authors

• Jim Stewart Shifflett, Virginia Community College System

• Rob Moore, University of Florida

• Jessica Laffoon Shifflett, Nelson County Public Schools