Health & Social Care students from Stratford-upon-Avon College used the latest technology to enhance their learning recently as they enjoyed a session using Virtual Reality (VR).
The College is integrating learning technology into a range of subjects and this session introduced the benefits of using VR in Health & Social Care.
Learning Technologist, Emily Cossey, detailed why VR is so beneficial: “Using VR allows students to experience things they usually wouldn’t be able to in a classroom. Things like unusual settings or on the job locations which are usually not available or accessible. In this case experiencing things from someone else’s point of view. Specifically for this subject area, the programmes the students have experienced will help them to recognise symptoms of dementia.”
The session was focused on dementia as part of the students Dementia Awareness unit. The technology would allow the students to see what it feels like to live with dementia. They had three scenarios to experience which included walking home, making a cup of tea and shopping at the supermarket. The technology mirrored symptoms of dementia for example, a puddle on the road suddenly looked like a huge hole that you could fall down.
Student Case Stannard really enjoyed the session, commenting: “It was cool. It feels like you were in a different world and was an interesting way of seeing life in someone else’s shoes.” Student Hamza Mohamad added: “It was fun! It makes the learning experience real.”
Health & Social Care lecturer, Ellie Davis, was really pleased for the students to take part in such a session: “This experience allows them to understand more what it might be like to have dementia. This in turn helps them to grow empathy which means they can offer better care. It is a great way to support their learning.”
