52. Virtual Reality Simulations to Promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Prof Jason Chen)

Virtual reality is well known for immersing people in activities such as flying, traveling in time, or in fictional worlds. But virtual reality can also be a powerful training tool. My guest in this episode has developed a virtual reality training experience that helps people to develop the capabilities to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Prof Jason Chen is the Gerdelman Family Term Distinguished Associate Professor of Education at the William & Mary School of Education in Virginia, USA. The questions that drive his research have to do with the variety of ways innovative technologies can be used as a tool for motivation, engagement, and learning. In 2016, with funding from the National Science Foundation, Jason and his multidisciplinary team of geoscientists, social scientists, theater professionals and technologists created a program called GeoDES. This program involves the use of innovative virtual reality simulations designed to help university faculty practice advocating for more diverse, equitable and inclusive departments. Prof Jason Chen: https://education.wm.edu/ourfacultystaff/faculty/chen_j.php The GeoDES program: https://www.wm.edu/peopleofwm/creative-critical-thinkers/chen-j/index.php Video: Virtual Reality Simulations for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: https://tinyurl.com/bnk95cc