Developing Professional Knowledge and Skills Using Online Scenario-Based Simulations

Session Description

A state university in the southeastern United States delivered scenario-based simulations called UWGLive simulation, powered by Mursion, as an innovative way of improving job performance in special education settings. The simulation created immersive mixed-reality environments for participants to practice and master certain skills needed in their workplaces.

UWGLive, as a scenario-based simulation application, includes several virtual classroom environments in PK-12 settings (i.e., upper elementary, middle school, and inclusion classrooms). In addition, UWGLive can include situations of adult (e.g., parent, teacher, principal, or other professional) avatars which a participant can interact with. Each avatar, student or adult, has a distinct personality. Further, UWGLive, as an instructional tool, is versatile in accommodating adjustments to meet the needs of other professionals practicing to master their job-specific skills by offering different professional environments such as office spaces, conference rooms, and service settings.

Successful performance in the featured simulation means that the student intern persuaded the teacher (avatar) to co-teach a lesson in a class with learners of special needs. As a culminating activity for the course, the simulation is a formative assessment, with the faculty collecting data from completed observation checklists and submitted student reflection papers.

The proposed presentation will discuss using and integrating a scenario-based simulation to support teaching and learning activities with undergraduate and graduate students as special education majors. The authors will discuss how students acquire knowledge and skills in the classroom and apply them to support practice in a safe environment. Also, the discussion will cover how working with the simulation provides students with an experience where they can demonstrate competencies in communication, collaboration, and negotiation to co-plan a lesson.

Presenter(s)

Danilo Baylen
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA, USA

Dr. Danilo M. Baylen is a tenured professor at the University of West Georgia (USA) with graduate degrees in Instructional Technology, Library and Information Studies, Elementary Education, and Counseling. He received his undergraduate degree in Economics at the University of the Philippines Diliman. He teaches, researches, and publishes about technology integration practices, visual and media literacy, and learning experience design. In 2023, he received honors as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar to the Philippines and the Outstanding Alumnus for Education by the West Visayas State University.

Trina Wood
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA, USA

Dr. Trina Wood is a Lecturer and Assistant Chair in the Department of Special Education in the College of Education. She is a graduate of the University of Alabama where she earned her doctorate in educational and instructional leadership. Dr. Wood also holds advanced degrees in mild learning and behavior disorders. She teaches graduate and undergraduate courses for pre-service and in-service teachers in the field of special education.

Terrie Ponder
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA, USA

Terrie Ponder is the Director of UWGLive Simulations and Instructor in the College of Education at the University of West Georgia.