Is VR the Ultimate Empathy Machine or Just an Illusion? - Learning space design and furniture provided by Steelcase Education, Gold Partner

The immersive power of virtual reality is compelling. It transports us to far off places and let us experience the world through the lives of others different from ourselves. It's a powerful medium for helping students understand social issues and cultural identities. But does it really create empathy? Or is it just a momentary feeling of sympathy that disappears when we remove the headset? And if it fosters empathy, how do we ensure it is empathy for good? As educators implement VR in the learning environment, these are critical questions in building digital fluency and citizenship in our students.

Outcomes: Gain a deeper understanding of the debate over the relationship between empathy and VR * Grasp the complicated ethical issues in using VR to foster empathy * Explore how we can continue a dialogue on VR and empathy that includes our students