WebVR in the Facilitation of Model United Nations Simulations

Abstract

A pilot study that explores the design, implementation, and affordances of using a virtual learning environment (VLE) in the form of highly customized WebVR in Model United Nations (MUN) simulations. A digital twin of the UN Security Council Chamber in New York was created for the simulations. A small group of students (n=7) take part in a series of simulations in virtual reality to simulate a session for the UN Security Council in virtual reality. A series of sessions with different objectives that seek to explore the affordances of WebVR as an online collaborative tool. The study documents the complete journey of the design of this intervention from training and onboarding participants, to customizing simulation parameters, and observing/polling participation for acceptance/reactions. The design and analysis come from both the perspectives of a veteran MUN facilitator seeking best practices and an educational technologist looking for design principles. The study analyzes the perspectives from the participants and facilitators to find hints at best practices and design principles for MUN simulations in VR. The findings show the need for iteration or re-design of activities from those of more traditional MUN facilitation such as face-to-face or teleconference to align with what VLEs can offer.