Learning to conduct interviews with avatars: A scaffolded approach for qualitative research students

Similar to flight simulators used to train pilots before flying an actual airplane, mixed reality simulations provide students with an opportunity to practice a specific skill with avatars prior to practice in the field. The purpose of this workshop is to showcase how I used mixed reality simulations as part of a scaffolded learning experience for an undergraduate qualitative research seminar in which students were expected to engage in photovoice-based interviews with high school students. In this interactive workshop, I will provide background on mixed reality simulations and photovoice-based interviews, discuss the scaffolded learning experiences across the course, and share the experiences and impressions of my undergraduate students. Finally, I will provide participants with an interactive opportunity to practice their own photovoice-based interviewing skills with the avatars so they can experience this learning experience first-hand. To conclude, we will discuss the participants’ impressions of their mixed reality qualitative learning experience and discuss other applications of mixed reality to support qualitative methods teaching and learning