Developing Virtual Gaming Simulations to Promote Interdisciplinary Learning in Addressing Intimate Partner and Gender-Based Violence

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ABSTRACT

Gender-based violence (GBV) is global issue, requiring specialized knowledge, attitudes, and skills. The most effective responses are interdisciplinary, involving social work, healthcare, and the justice system. While GBV was exacerbated during the pandemic, many students faced a reduced availability of practice opportunities to learn how to respond to GBV. The authors describe a teaching and learning project which expanded access to experiential, interdisciplinary learning across three faculties (social work, nursing, law) by using virtual gaming simulation-based learning (VGSBL). Processes of development and implementation are discussed, along with recommendations for further integration of VGSBL in addressing grand challenges of social work education such as interdisciplinary collaboration in responding to GBV.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The funding for this project was generously provided through a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Grant from the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Notes on contributors

Angelique Jenney

Angelique Jenney is Associate Professor in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary.

Jennifer Koshan

Jennifer Koshan is a Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary.

Carla Ferreira

Carla Ferreira is an Associate Professor (Teaching) at the University of British Columbia.

Narmin Nikdel

Narmin Nikdel is a postdoctoral associate in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary.

Christina Tortorelli

Christina Tortorelli is a social work doctoral student at the University of Calgary.

Torri Johnson

Torri Johnson is a 4th year Bachelor of Nursing student at the University of Calgary.

Aurora Allison

Aurora Allison is a JD candidate in the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary.

Breanne Krut

Breanne Krut is an Assistant Professor (Teaching) in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Calgary.

Ambereen Weerahandi

Ambereen Weerahandi is a Masters of Nursing Student at the University of Calgary.

Krista Wollny

Krista Wollny is an Associate Professor (Teaching) in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Calgary.

Nathan Pronyshyn

Nathan Pronyshyn is the Simulations Coordinator within the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary.

Georgina Marie Bagstad

Georgina Marie Bagstad is an Assistant Professor (Teaching) in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Calgary.