This project used VR headsets to incorporate This is Not a Ceremony into the Adult Probation Officer (APO) training room to expand on key curriculum themes of assimilation, responsivity, and responsibilities of probation officers when working with Indigenous Peoples.
WHAT WERE THE MAIN GOALS OF THIS PROJECT?
The goal of incorporating this activity into training was to broaden cultural awareness and foster a deeper understanding of the historical and systemic factors contributing to Indigenous overrepresentation as staff embark on their careers as probation officers. By offering staff in training the opportunity to learn through immersive storytelling and debrief with Elder Buckshot, the APO team aimed to promote the development of culturally informed practice and advance Community Corrections’ priority of Supporting Indigenous Reconciliation.
HOW DOES THIS DEMONSTRATE INNOVATION?
This project demonstrates innovation by taking staff in training beyond typical lecture and discussion-based teaching to experiential learning in an effort to deepen their understanding of the experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. By incorporating an immersive VR experience into training and providing staff with the opportunity to debrief with an Indigenous Elder, the importance of curriculum themes was enhanced.
WHAT WERE THE PROBLEMS OR CHALLENGES YOU FACED WORKING ON THIS PROJECT?
Incorporating this activity into training became a bigger challenge than initially anticipated. It caused our team to restructure a full afternoon of training which required a new lesson plan to be created as well as the development of a separate timetable document for instructors to ensure the activity ran smoothly. Another challenge was determining how staff would occupy their time while waiting for their turn to view the VR activity, which led to the development of new classroom activities. Because this project involved staff from the Centre for Teaching, Learning, and Innovation, the Office of Indigenization, as well as the Adult Probation Officer team, coordination was needed across the JIBC to ensure this project was successful.
LESSONS LEARNED
I learned how valuable immersive learning can be for staff. This project took learners beyond reading about and discussing reconciliation and related policies and helped them better understand the importance of these policies as they relate to the work of a probation officer.
AUTHORING TOOL(S) USED
Oculus Quest 2 (VR headset)
PROJECT LINK
N/A
