The Virtual Reality (VR) labs at the University of Minnesota Health Science Library provide an innovative learning experience for students studying mortuary science. Since Fall 2023, Professor Janet McGee has made VR simulations a key part of her class to teach essential soft skills.
“We want to bring more technology into our program, and this is a fantastic approach,” McGee said. The lab, which opened in 2021, currently supports 20 classes, offering students an immersive way to understand complex, real-life scenarios. Lab director Charlie Heinz explained, “With virtual reality, it surrounds you completely, enhancing your sense of being there. There’s nothing quite like it.”
One significant simulation is the Albert Lab, where students step into the shoes of a 74-year-old man named Albert, who faces hearing loss and macular degeneration. This simulation guides students through a day in his life, including a challenging medical appointment and a birthday party where his focus diminishes. “This experience opens students’ eyes to the full spectrum of end-of-life issues,” McGee noted, emphasizing the importance of empathy in their future roles.
Understanding a family’s perspective allows future morticians to appreciate the emotional journey that clients experience, leading to better service during difficult times. McGee aims to foster empathetic listening skills, stating, “The goal is for students to engage deeply with the clients’ experiences.”
Soft skills, especially communication, are vital for students’ success in their careers. Fourth-year student Sara Harbour shared, “We learn about the human aspects of our work, such as grief and handling delicate family dynamics during the funeral planning process.”
Another experience in the lab focuses on the dying process. The Clay Lab, still in development, offers a perspective that begins with a visualization of a person named Clay, who is dying at home from respiratory failure. Users witness the struggle of Clay’s family to say goodbye while Clay drifts in and out of consciousness. As his condition worsens, the simulation alters his visual perception, representing the decline in clarity and connection to his surroundings. After Clay passes away, the perspective shifts to a bird’s eye view, allowing users to see his departure from a new angle.
Overall, the VR lab at the University of Minnesota is a valuable resource for mortuary science students. It not only enhances their technical skills but also deepens their understanding of the emotional journeys that families go through during challenging times.
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