Abstract
This paper explores the use of immersive technology in social work education, specifically through a virtual simulation called ‘Branch-VR’ designed for young people taking part in a Widening Participation Programme for entry into social work training. The study involved 24 participants aged 17-18, who interacted with a branching narrative simulation of a social work home visit, making decisions that influenced the outcome. Utilising a mixed methods experimental design, the paper examines participants' attitudes towards using immersive technology as a training tool, its impact on their role expectations when engaging with service users in a home environment, and its influence on their confidence in pursuing a career in social work. The findings suggest that immersive simulations like Branch-VR can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. This approach also boosts learners' confidence (W = 196.000, Z = 2.808, p = .005), providing a safe environment for experiential learning and decision-making. The paper underscores the importance of integrating immersive technology with traditional training methods, emphasising its role as an augmentation to foundational social work education.
Original language | English |
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Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Social Work Education |
Early online date | 09 Apr 2024 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Early online date - 09 Apr 2024 |
Keywords
- Immersive technology
- Social Work education
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Sciences(all)