Immersive Virtual Community Engagement

Abstract

The evolution of technology has paved the way for enhancing educational experiences, including medical education. The faculty of health sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand is in the process of renewing its medical curriculum. This provides an opportunity to introduce innovative learning methods and authentic, community-based learning experiences. However, the need for a feasible, cost-effective course for 250 students tempers these ideals. To address these challenges, a virtual reality environment using Google Street View and AI avatars has been conceptualized, allowing students to virtually explore communities and interact with individuals. The authenticity of this is enhanced through the integration of AI avatars and data from interviews conducted with local community members, including healthcare personnel, feed into this closed LLM. As students engage with characters in the VR environment, responses are formulated from interview data. This chapter explores the conceptualisation of this, aiming to inspire others to embrace technology-driven educational enhancements.