Virtual games teach students how to work in intimate partner violence situations
Virtual games teach students how to work in intimate partner violence situations
Virtual games teach students how to work in intimate partner violence situations
By Ali Abel, Karen Cook & Don McSwiney
November 24, 2021
Summary
A new project team - funded by a UCalgary Teaching and Learning grant - is developing virtual gaming simulations to educate students from the faculties of Nursing, Law and Social Work how to address childhood exposure to intimate partner violence.
For law students, simulations are not a new experience, and UCalgary students participate in numerous moots and mock trials throughout their legal education.
"With the help of actors, students will work through various decision points in a domestic violence situation. Like a 'choose your own adventure' game, students will be taken down different paths based on the decisions they make."
Participation from nursing students will start when the virtual patient/s access health services such as hospitals or clinics.
Bringing together students from all three disciplines is key, as there is often conflict between the professions on how to proceed in cases of intimate partner violence.
"Going through a game like this is a way for everyone to understand what their different roles are and how complex it is to deal with domestic violence cases." Koshan also notes that this simulation will be an important vehicle for teaching law students about trauma-informed lawyering.
The study, which is led by Faculty of Social Work professor Dr. Angelique Jenney, PhD, looks to train future professionals in a safe environment while getting them used to the way their respective professions will work together in the future.
Reference
Abel, A., Cook, K., &; McSwiney, D. (2021, November 24). Virtual games teach students how to work in intimate partner violence situations. University of Calgary. Retrieved January 18, 2022, from https://ucalgary.ca/news/virtual-games-teach-students-how-work-intimate-partner-violence-situations