Kristie Seelman, an associate professor at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies’ School of Social Work at Georgia State University, is pioneering innovative teaching methods by exploring the integration of virtual reality into social work education.
In 2024, Seelman received a one-year minigrant worth $3,500 from Georgia State’s Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning & Online Education (CETLOE) to develop a project titled, “Creation of Immersive Virtual Productions for Social Work Education and Training.”
Collaborating with faculty from the university’s Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII), Seelman aims to harness the potential of 3D engines to craft realistic virtual scenarios that will enrich the learning experience in social work courses.
“Virtual production allows us to quickly and easily create compelling stories that can be integrated into our classes,” Seelman said, highlighting how 3D technology simplifies the creation of educational content.
Traditionally, producing case study videos required extensive coordination among multiple professionals, including videographers, scriptwriters, actors, and the necessary filming equipment. With the introduction of 3D technology, Seelman can now recreate detailed scenes solely using her computer.
Seelman’s initiative will produce two primary educational tools. For the first project, she is collaborating with a colleague to design a virtual scenario focusing on an adolescent, enabling students to engage with the content and answer questions based on the scenario. This component is intended for an online class setting.
The second project will feature a short film showcasing historical figure Anna Julia Cooper, who fought for better educational opportunities for Black youth. Students can expect to gain inspiration from Cooper’s advocacy and resilience through this film, which will likely also serve an online course.
“There’s a struggle with online students who often find themselves inundated with texts, articles, and worksheets. We aim to connect with them emotionally,” Seelman explained. “I hope these videos can add another dimension to their learning.”
As the integration of technology into educational methods continues to gain traction, Seelman noted a growing interest in the use of virtual and augmented reality within social work education. However, a considerable gap remains regarding the development of faculty skills required to create virtual learning scenarios.
“What I don’t hear is anyone talking about learning the skills to create virtual reality learning scenarios… or addressing the ethical issues surrounding the depiction of social work situations,” Seelman pointed out, emphasizing the need for further discussion in these areas.
Seelman is eager to share her findings and experiences with other faculty members, recognizing the potential of these technologies in enhancing current teaching methods. She envisions presenting her project at various conferences, highlighting the value of incorporating 3D technology into social work education.
“There are platforms like Unreal Engine that most social workers have never heard of. As technology becomes more accessible, especially with advances in artificial intelligence, we can expect to see broader engagement with these tools,” Seelman asserted.
She further illustrated how AI can simplify character animations within these virtual scenarios, making it easier for educators who may lack coding skills to create dynamic educational content.
Seelman is also enthusiastic about the future of her project. She recently received confirmation that her department has been awarded CETLOE’s Catalyst grant for the following year, allowing her to build upon her initial work.
This collaborative effort will continue with Professor of Practice Jeasy Sehgal and students at the CMII, aiming to further integrate technology into the teaching framework.
Reflecting on her motivation for seeking out these innovative teaching tools, Seelman expressed a strong belief in the importance of creativity within education. She stated, “We sometimes overlook the creative possibilities of teaching. It calls for a lot of imagination, and this technology allows you to use your imagination for students.”
Ultimately, Seelman’s efforts to employ 3D technology in social work education represent a significant step towards enhancing student engagement and emotional connections to the material, promising to transform traditional learning experiences in impactful ways.
image source from：https://news.gsu.edu/2025/05/23/social-work-professor-taps-into-teaching-potential-of-virtual-reality-tools
