Towards a framework for implementation of virtual reality technologies in schools for autistic pupils

Newbutt, Nigel; Cobb, Sue

Abstract

Virtual reality and associated technologies offer unique potential for learning in special educational contexts. Research studies have demonstrated applications of collaborative VR for encouraging and enabling children with autism to communicate and collaborate with other people. Despite the enthusiasm of students and teachers for these applications, implementation of new technologies in schools is challenging and, often, when the support of the research team is no longer available, the technology remains unused. We reflect upon our experiences in two projects in which collaborative VR applications were developed specifically for use in the autism classroom in the UK. Both projects provide extension to a previous methodological framework for VR application in mainstream education (Crosier et al., 2002). We conclude that further development of the framework, including consideration of the wider organisational context, is needed to address issues related to limited uptake in schools.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (published)
• Conference Name: 12th International Conference on Disability, Virtual Reality and Associated Technologies in Collaboration with Interactive Technologies and Games (ITAG)
• Start Date: Sep 4, 2018
• End Date: Sep 6, 2018
• Acceptance Date: Jul 4, 2018
• Publication Date: Sep 4, 2018
• Deposit Date: Sep 7, 2018
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 268-272
• ISBN: 9780704915480
• Keywords: autism, virtual reality technologies, schools, user design
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/861112
• Publisher URL: https://www.icdvrat.org/
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : 12th International Conference on Disability, Virtual Reality and Associated Technologies in Collaboration with Interactive Technologies and Games (ITAG)
• Contract Date: Sep 7, 2018