Students at Victoria Polytechnic are using Virtual Reality (VR) technology to improve their support for people living with dementia.
Developed by Alzheimer’s Research UK, the Walk Through Dementia app uses VR goggles to present familiar situations from the perspective of someone living with dementia. Tasks such as grocery shopping and making tea for family members can become confusing and stressful situations for people living with dementia.
“It demonstrates some of the difficulties people face performing everyday tasks and will enable students to be more empathetic." Aged Care and Disability care teacher Jenny Pitkin explains.
This experiential learning exercise extends on Victoria Polytechnic’s innovative blended learning model. Now encompassing over 30 courses, the model provides a flexible eLearning environment for students to further develop their skills acquired in face-to-face workshops and work placements.
Students from the Certificate III in Individual Support and Certificate IV in Ageing Support are participating in this exercise.
Note: As of 2021, the blended learning model is now known as the interactive e-learning model.