Virtual reality in the context of treatment skills

Summary

The project “Virtual Reality in the Context of Treatment Skills” introduces an innovative use of VR to train correctional (probation and prison) staff in communication and psychosocial techniques. It enhances learning engagement and real-world application, supports inclusive and humane rehabilitation, and offers a scalable model for justice systems across Europe, aligning with EITA’s goals of innovative, inclusive, and transferable teaching practices.

"Learning through VR provides a safe environment where only you see your mistakes. It gives you a unique opportunity to explore the consequences of different behaviours without real-life impact."

Topic(s) addressed

• Digital innovation
• Inclusive professional training
• Emotional intelligence
• Communication skills
• Experiential learning to improve rehabilitation practices in the justice system

Target group(s)  

• Primary target - probation and prison staff in Croatia and Romania

• Secondary target - offenders

   

Methodologies used  

The project introduces an innovative approach by integrating virtual reality into professional training for probation and prison staff, enabling immersive simulations of real-life scenarios. Unlike traditional classroom methods, VR allows learners to actively practise interventions and observe the outcomes of their actions in a safe, controlled environment. The approach is learner-centered, adaptable to different learning styles and needs, and supports emotional awareness and reflection. Repetition of scenarios enables continuous improvement, making the training more impactful, inclusive, and aligned with modern educational practices. The methodologies used are multidisciplinary, combining formal, non-formal, and informal learning.

Innovation environment

The project creates an immersive, interactive learning environment using virtual reality technology, allowing participants to engage in realistic scenarios that mirror everyday challenges in correctional settings. This safe, digital space supports experimentation, active learning, and reflection without real-world consequences. It fosters emotional engagement and critical thinking, promotes learner autonomy, and adapts to diverse learning styles. By combining formal instruction with experiential methods, the environment enables deeper understanding and long-term skill development. This type of learning content ensures the sustainability of learning.

Teachers’ role

Correctional staff serve as educators by teaching offenders vital social and life skills, directly influencing their rehabilitation. Some staff actively participated in creating VR digital content, engaging in the innovation process and enhancing their digital and pedagogical skills. Their dual role as practitioners and content creators fosters a unique peer-learning environment, where knowledge is shared and co-developed. This collaborative approach drives innovative teaching by combining practical experience with cutting-edge technology, empowering educators to lead transformative learning processes.

Impact and output

The project’s direct impact is the improvement of correctional staff’s knowledge, skills, and competencies, enabling higher-quality and more effective rehabilitation work with offenders. Indirectly, it enhances social inclusion and support for people with fewer opportunities- not only offenders but also staff from disadvantaged backgrounds. The project fosters a spill-over effect, as innovative methods and acquired knowledge spread within institutions, for example through student practice and presentations, raising overall standards and promoting inclusivity across the system.

 Learn more about the project