VR in the times of pandemic 1.

Immersive technology as an assistive technology was one of the first topics we discussed this academic year. A perfect example of a project in that field is the Acclimate VR (https://www.acclimatevr.com/) which is briefly described as a VR teaching tool for special education. The mission of the company is to provide VR rehearsal scenarios for real-life situations for young people with autism and other developmental difficulties. This concept helps to overcome the extra anxiety caused by everyday situations; it builds independence and confidence to live a full life within society. Safety of this training, as well as ability to go through it at own peace are crucial; and Virtual Reality is the best platform for accommodating these requirements.   

VR is a perfect ground for creating role playing environments in aid to support people’s life, improve wellbeing and health, fight for better quality life for marginalized groups; it is not only for the entertainment industry.   

A Covid-19 pandemic, despite being a global human disaster, allowed us to develop positive solutions that were not acceptable or not imaginable on such a big scale before. A common now, work from home style implemented by uncounted companies around the globe, has become a simple solution allowing businesses not only to survive but to thrive.  

A similar growth can be observed in VR as it allows us to develop ideas and training in limited through pandemic circumstances. Not only can it provide already planned and released experiences but can also be quickly adjusted to provide solutions tailored to a rapidly changing situation. 

VR solutions have been present in the widely understood medical field before the pandemic; I have previously mentioned labour assistance or pain management trials; but during the covid crisis VR has started to be used for a different group, caregivers to help them soothe and unwind during and after long, overwhelming shifts.  

At the same time, when, temporarily, there was no face-to-face teaching, implementing VR and AR (Augmented Reality) could provide some great level of education. During the lecture we talked about medical students, but this could be easily spread across any field. It would not necessarily mean replacing traditional in person teaching but could be a way to get students familiar with their future practice settings, to build up their confidence, to gain knowledge and have an estimate idea of expected skills and behaviours. VR technical and non-technical skills training would be an alternative while real-life experience is unavailable, and a supplementary teaching at regular times. Development of immersive technologies and implementing them in professional training and education are important for the omni-learning – ability to learn anywhere, anytime and with anyone ¹ which is a progressive vision of studying, not just the emergency one.  

¹ Role of immersive technologies in healthcare education during the COVID-19 epidemic. Available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0036933020956317 accessed 02.11.2021