Competency-based education in social work (CSWE, 2022) demands active learning methods that demonstrate professional competencies and practice behaviors. Role-plays and simulations are methods that link learning in the classroom with practice. This article explores role-play and simulation variants: basic role-play, real play, student-scripted…

This pretest/posttest experimental design study investigated the use of virtual reality to teach school counseling students empathy, as measured by the Empathy Quotient. An independent samples and paired-samples t-test were used to analyze students' scores in the experimental and control groups. The study's results are discussed.

Most applications of virtual reality and technology used in counseling occur in the context of client intervention and treatment. This article presents how virtual enhanced education tools such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and 360° videos provide a stage for constructing creative opportunities for experiential learning in counselor…

This article reports the use of online live-streamed simulations (online LSS), implemented on Zoom with Master of Social Work students. A thematic analysis was conducted from an online survey (n = 26 responses) to explore, 1) if online LSS can offer the same potential to develop holistic competence as in-class simulations, and 2) how students…

This exploratory study considered students' perceptions of their learning experiences at a U.S. military chaplain college across multiple cohorts over five years to discover possible connections between student learning and the use of immersive learning technologies. Data sources included end-of-course survey results from 490 professional…

Few studies examine the use of live actors in simulated training for social work students. This paper offers a programmatic exemplar on the implementation of simulation training in ethical decision-making using professional live actors. It offers original findings on the experiences of Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work students (n…

This teaching initiative responded to an effort to strengthen the connection between cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) theory and practice among Master of Social Work (MSW) students. This initiative was developed in response to feedback from our MSW students, who requested further training in CBT skills before entering practicum settings.…

Practitioners are required to have both practice knowledge of theoretical approaches and professional competence and skills. For student social workers, acquiring the former has been traditionally associated with academic teaching. With practice placement learning, the latter has required unique consideration with the incorporation of the online…

In this qualitative study, we consider student experiences with and perceptions of teaching methods that are clinical skill-based (e.g., simulation role plays). Focus groups included Master of Social Work students (N = 40) from six universities in the United States. A framework-guided content analysis was used and revealed four discussion areas:…

Background: Providing students with virtual role-play experiences has the potential to bring counseling role-plays into large undergraduate courses. Objective: The purpose of this study was to trial a virtual reality role-play experience where students played the role of a student counsellor. Method: Seventy-three undergraduate psychology students…

To successfully respond to the increasing needs and demands of clients, social workers must be equipped with a broad range of knowledge and skills. Due to limitations with traditional in-person methods, the field is considering virtual simulations to enhance students' knowledge and competency-based skills. Virtual simulations are a method of using…

Role-playing simulations can provide students with experiential learning opportunities to develop strong interviewing and diagnosis skills, and practice skills they are learning in their classes. In this study, students completed role-playing activities in an online 3D virtual counselor training facility, and interviewed "patient"…

The education of healthcare professionals is critical for the safe delivery of services to patients (Ricciardi & de Paolis, 2014). Postgraduate psychology students undertaking a professional degree encounter a steep learning curve when transitioning from theoretical knowledge to professional practice. This beginning student stage of…

Distance counselor education has expanded educational opportunities for diverse groups of students. To effectively train and support global students in counseling programs, the authors explore some unique challenges and opportunities that counselor educators may encounter when integrating technology in the multicultural counseling curriculum. The…

Distance education has become a mainstay in higher education, in general, and in counselor education, specifically. Although the concept sometimes still feels new, universities have been engaged in some form of distance learning for over 20 years. In the field of distance counselor education, it is imperative to understand where we have been,…