GAEA Conference Fall 2024

The presentation explores the increase in confidence and self-efficacy in using Mixed Reality Simulations (MRS) to prepare pre-service teachers. Currently our pre-service candidates have field experiences, and clinical experiences of being in the classroom with students and the mentor teacher. They are not allowed to sit in and observe or participate in parent teacher conferences, 504 meetings, IEP meetings, student behavior/discipline meetings, or communications with parents (outside of those volunteering). The Mixed Reality Simulator provides a safe (virtual) environment for pre-service teacher to practice these conversations, record, watch, reflect, discuss, and learn from their experience. Pre-service teachers stand in front of a screen and talk directly with the simulation (see the picture). The simulation has been preset with a scenario. For example: the scenario may be a parent/teacher conference where the student is being unsafe in the classroom, or bullying another student or the parent is complaining about the student’s grades. The experience is recorded. The pre-service teacher participating then watches and writes a reflection about the experience, challenges, etc. There will be a MRS experience at the beginning of the semester as well as the end of the semester, allowing students time to learn, have their field experience in-between. Additionally, there will be class discussions on the experiences that will be audio recorded with field notes, to allow for comparison on the pre and post experiences. Student reflections will be artifacts of data as well. The presentation will include a sample recording of the MRS experience as well as reflections from the students and an analysis of the student reflections. The hope is this new technology will build confidence and better prepare our pre-service teachers.