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Virtual Reality for Special Education:

�An Overview and Current Work

Michael Stauffer

Founder, Vizmoo LLC

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VR - Virtual Reality

AR - Augmented Reality

MR - Mixed Reality

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XR - all or any of the above

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VR - Virtual Reality

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full immersion

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AR - Augmented Reality

MR - Mixed Reality

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Reality with

graphics drawn on top

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Pros

Cons

VR

Full immersion.

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Controlled environment.

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Fewer distractions.

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Pros

Cons

VR

Full immersion.

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Controlled environment.

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Fewer distractions.

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Can't see surroundings

  • self-conscious
  • scary

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Awkward for social.

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Might be less tolerated, especially for longer sessions.

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Pros

Cons

AR / MR

See surroundings

  • less self-conscious
  • more grounding.

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Social interactions - collaboration

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Pros

Cons

AR / MR

See surroundings

  • less self-conscious
  • more grounding.

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Social interactions - collaboration

Developer can't control surroundings.

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Susceptible to bright surroundings.

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Susceptible to distractions.

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Less immersive -> attention.

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3DOF vs 6DOF

3DOF

janky, slow

much less expensive

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6DOF

smooth, more immersive

hand controllers, motion tracking

more expensive

"Oculus or Meta Quest"

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DOF = "Degrees of Freedom" = Ways you can move

phone

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Device Management

  • As for laptop/tablet management
  • Centralized
  • Control what's run
  • Monitor

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VR and Spec. Edu. / Autism

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Tolerance question

  • sensory sensitivities
  • VR -> self-conscious
  • preferred activity
  • 90%+ acceptance (ASD research)

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VR and Spec. Edu. / Autism

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Advantages

  • sensory control
  • non-threatening characters
  • cuts distractions
  • precisely repeatable and measurable
  • preferred activity
  • continuum of care

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VR-based situational and communication

training for neurodiverse learners

Social Skills practice

ADL-related practice

Self Regulation practice

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Floreo

  • floreovr.com
  • 3DOF & 6DOF

Catapallo VR

  • catapallovr.com

Project VOISS

  • projectvoiss.org
  • Here at mEdu!

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Groove Catcher

Movement-based therapy interventions

Direct Link

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Groove Catcher

Movement-based therapy interventions

Motor Coordination - occupational therapy

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Emotional Regulation - preparatory activity, music therapy

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Core Social Engagement (proto)- mirroring skills, tolerance

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Music and dance -> engagement -> continuum of care

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vizmoo.com

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Thank You

Michael Stauffer

Founder, Vizmoo

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michael@vizmoo.com

vizmoo.com

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