SP 2030 Report

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Virtual learning technology – School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Western Australia

confidence and empathy across simulated and traditional learning environments. Research results showed that students found the avatar to be more challenging to communicate with than human patients and they generally had to work harder to build rapport in this virtual clinical exchange. However, in terms of a learning experience, the students felt that they learned as much if not more because the virtual scenario was safe, confidential and Empathy Simulator in the future will include voice recognition software to allow “Jim” to respond automatically to the student without clinical educator guidance. The potential for clinical avatars, extends well beyond the health care system, because although the virtual environment is not real, it creates a real learning experience for students. allowed for repeated practice. The next development for the

Initially, the “avatar” is controlled by a clinical educator who chooses its responses based on the student’s verbal and non-verbal behaviours. This interaction between the student and ‘Jim’ is recorded for reflection and feedback so that the student is supported and educated with increasing levels of independent responsibility in their management of challenging communications. Such training provides standard experiences for all students with the opportunity for repeated practice in a safe environment. The aim is for the student to achieve competence before having real-life interactions with the general public. The training scenarios and the responses of the avatar have been designed by a team of international researchers with over 30 years combined experience in psychology, communication, behaviour management and software design. A recent collaborative study investigated undergraduate speech pathology students’ self-rated communication skills, knowledge,

Curtin University in Western Australia in collaboration with

Citrine Technologies in Atlanta, has developed virtual learning technology to train students and health care workers in the development of fundamental communication and interpersonal skills. The current virtual learning education tool is a life-like computer-simulated “avatar” of an elderly Australian gentleman with dementia. This Empathy Simulator, is a computer- based program featuring an avatar character named “Jim”, which has been developed to address the demands of education and health care provision. “Jim”, a virtual client, provides a cost-effective way for students to practise and master essential interpersonal and rapport- building clinical skills before they work with real clients. The simulator challenges students to manage complex scenarios, such as putting the client at ease, delivering bad news and managing clients who are agitated, confused, or feeling depressed.

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