This international multi-site study investigates the integration of conversational artificial intelligence (AI) within virtual environments as an innovative replacement for traditional role-playing exercises in professional training. The ‘Virtual Intelligent Training and Adaptive Learning’ (VITAL) platform, leveraging advanced natural language processing and machine learning algorithms, aims to gamify, assess, and explore nuanced interactions across four critical disciplines: social work, psychiatry, clinical psychology, and education. Spanning test bed sites in Taiwan, Northern Ireland, and Canada, this study employs a mixed-methods pre-and post-test design with a sample size of 30-40 participants per site. Over a six-month period, the research will measure outcomes including self-efficacy, role expectancy, motivation, engagement, immersion, presence, and user acceptance of technology.
By evaluating the efficacy and feasibility of the VITAL platform, this study seeks to inform future professional training practices and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on immersive technology and AI in education.
The intervention involves the use of the VITAL platform, a state-of-the-art VR environment seamlessly integrated with advanced conversational AI. The platform is accessible through a user-friendly and intuitive website, where educators can create, customise, and manage their training scenarios. The platform will allow for complete customisation of virtual environments, avatars, and learning objectives whereby users are guided through each stage of the process with step-by-step instructions, helpful guidelines, and suggestions. The aim of this design is to allow those with limited technical expertise to create sophisticated and tailored learning experiences.
The study locations:
1. Taiwan: Taipei Medical University (TMU)
2. United Kingdom (Site 1): A healthcare setting in Northern Ireland
3. Canada: University of New Brunswick Clinical Psychology Department
4. United Kingdom (Site 2): A school setting in Northern Ireland.
Period | 19 Aug 2024 → … |
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Degree of Recognition | International |
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- eHealth
- Digital Mental Health
- Mental Health Research
- Social Work
- Healthcare Education
- Interventions within Health and Social Care
- School Based Interventions
- Coproduction/participatory research
- AI
- Virtual Reality
- virtual reality education
- Virtual Reality, Mental Health
- Immersive Learning Design
- User Experience Design
- User-centred Design
- Instructional Design
- Motivational Learning Design
- Co-Design
- Digital Health
- Interaction Design