New immersive VR resource available to enhance Health T-level learning

Gatsby’s Technical Education Networks programme (TEN) has launched an innovative new virtual reality (VR) resource to prepare Health T-level students for the realities of health and social care practice.

Meet Millie

The immersive resource places students in a simulated home, following a health care support worker on a routine follow-up visit to Millie, a service user living with chronic kidney disease. Concerns have been raised about Millie’s wellbeing and students must apply their learning to navigate both clinical responsibilities and sensitive interpersonal interactions, working through a sequence of realistic tasks.

Using integrated artificial intelligence and speech recognition, Millie responds to how the students communicate with her. Her behaviour can shift from calm and passive to distressed or angry as the interaction develops. This allows learners to practise person-centred care skills like active listening and empathy and helps them understand how their communication and behaviour influence the service user.

The scenario enables learners to encounter challenging behaviours in a safe, controlled environment, including situations they may not experience on their industry placement. Rather than presenting a single “right” pathway, it encourages reflection and repetition, giving learners space to try out different approaches.

Developed with Metaverse Learning, a specialist in immersive learning that helps learners apply theory to practice, the resource draws on input from teachers, employers and the awarding body to help bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practice.

Open access for teachers

Gatsby is making the content available free of charge to Health T-level teachers, and without the need for a VR (virtual reality) headset, through its Technical Education Networks website, enabling teachers to explore immersive learning in an accessible way.

Charlie Moss, Head of Further Education Curriculum Support at Gatsby Education said:

“This scenario adds to the suite of free, high-quality teaching resources already available to T-level teachers as part of the Technical Education Networks. Working with partners like Metaverse Learning, who share our commitment to supporting the development of technical and essential skills for the future workforce, is an important part of our work. Together we’re using innovation to create inclusive learning experiences that mirror real working environments we hope are useful for T-level Health students nationally.”

Jason Holt CBE, CEO of Metaverse Learning, added:

“By integrating advanced simulation and adaptive immersive elements, we place learners in realistic workplace environments where they can safely apply theory, build core skills and understand the consequences of their decisions. This gives T-level learners a practical, true-to-life way to develop confidence and judgement before entering live care settings, while offering education providers an accessible and impactful way to explore innovation that genuinely supports learner success.”

To stay up to date on TEN programme teaching resources, events and research join our communities of practice. For more information about the programme please email: TEN@gatsby.org.uk