Abstracts
Abstract
The demanding initiation into the teaching profession contributes significantly to attrition rates among teachers. Virtual reality (VR), a tool proven to be effective in other professions, offers a controlled and safe environment for developing teaching expertise, potentially mitigating attrition. The Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) program and the Lab for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (LITL) at Concordia University have created a proof-of-concept Minimal Viable Product (MVP) VR tool for teacher education, piloting it with student teachers from diverse programs and partner universities. The MVP immerses participants in a post-observation meeting scenario that is typically loaded with interpersonal and emotional challenges. Initial testing indicated VR's potential to evoke the emotional and cognitive engagement necessary for effective deliberate practice cycles. We present our journey so far and highlight the design dilemmas and challenges. The overarching goal of our project is to foster innovation in teacher education while establishing a network of professionals motivated to reduce attrition rates by facilitating teacher training and better equipping student teachers for their initiation in the profession.
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Appendices
Biographical notes
Dr. Teresa Hernández González is an accomplished educator with a background spanning over three decades in various educational domains such as ESL pedagogy, critical pedagogy, assessment for learning, and gamification. Currently serving as the TESL Program Director at Concordia University, her dedication extends to mentoring both pre-service and in-service teachers. In her recent research, Dr. Hernández González explores the potential of technologies, specifically virtual reality, to support reflective practice in teacher education.
Remi Arora is the Manager for the Lab for Innovation in Teaching and Learning at Concordia University. Remi has been active in Higher Education, the event logistics and technology industry, as well as the creative fields. He brings his diverse background and his passion for exploring innovation and the intersection of education and creativity to his role as Project Manager for all LITL projects.
Montreal-based, Marco Luna, filmmaker, cinema instructor, and researcher, holds a master’s degree in fine arts from Concordia University. Faculty member at the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, he instructs on montage, filmmaking, and interactive documentary VR cinema. Marco also contributes to conferences, exploring themes like immersive technology and social documentary filmmaking. Currently, he serves as a Technologist at Milieux, Immersive Reality Lab, showcasing his commitment to blending traditional filmmaking with cutting-edge technologies in diverse filmography.
Shehrazade Bakarally is a Senior Learning Specialist working in Public Sector Innovation at the Canada School of Public Service. Over her career, she has sought to innovate within the areas of performance improvement and program development in the university, public and private sector. Her interests lie in building authentic teaching and learning spaces that foster critical thinking, creativity and community.
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