Immersive Virtual Reality Experiences as a Means to Enhance Character Development: Development of a University Course

Abstract

Our work in progress brings together an interdisciplinary university-based project team to develop and evaluate a character education course that infuses fully-immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences and aligns with the general education curriculum. Virtual reality enables expansive, immersive, autonomous, and embodied learning, and has demonstrated promise in inducing empathy, prosocial behavior, and gratitude. We prioritize ten key character strengths across three topical modules (aging, technology in society, neurodiversity). Students will experience VR in a Dreamscape Learn environment, a fully immersive technology that enables several students to physically interact in a 3D environment which can be seen and heard through a VR headset. The program is developed via Relational Systems Evaluation, and the full project will result in the delivery of the character education course, instructor’s manual, and three virtual reality experiences. Our working groups include teams focused on (1) the virtual reality experiences which include faculty and students with expertise in computer science, game design, VR/XR, animation and VFX, screenwriting, directing and narrative design; (2) the three content areas (as well as character broadly), including faculty, staff, students, and community members; (3) curriculum design and course delivery modalities; and (4) evaluation.