Elisabeth Gerber
Professor,
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Engage, Immerse, Transform: Powering Student Success with Online Role-Playing Simulations
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 9:45AM–10:30AM CT | EDUCAUSE Commons, Teaching & Learning Central, Poster Area
Session Type:
Poster Session
Delivery Format:
Poster
Role-playing simulations can enhance student engagement and experiential learning, yet they remain underutilized in higher education. We report on the results of a study that analyzes feedback from 36 recent role-playing simulations involving more than 1,000 students conducted across both in-person and online higher ed learning environments. Using post-simulation survey data, we compare self-reported engagement levels across modalities. Contrary to concerns that virtual formats may reduce interaction and immersion, our preliminary results indicate that students in online simulations report high levels of engagement comparable to their in-person peers. These findings suggest that well-designed simulations can effectively support student engagement, regardless of delivery format, highlighting their adaptability in diverse learning contexts.
