The technology

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have developed a training simulation tool for faculty that allows individuals to experience a year in the life of a principal. This immersive tool presents scenarios to the user and lists decisions that could be made as a result of an issue. Following the decision making process, consequences of the decision are presented to the user in order to understand the implication of the choice. This simulator has more than 400 decisions within the simulation gearing it towards real-life applications in training.

The simulator applies a virtual interactive piece that mirrors real-life applications by guiding principals through experiences often occurring within the first year, therefore developing the skills required to enter an education leadership position.

Figure 1. Schematic depicting the different facets of coaching.