Fayetteville State University’s School of Social Work has launched a state-of-the-art Simulation Skills Lab to improve practical training for students. Located in room 222 of the Lauretta Taylor Building, this lab provides aspiring social workers with immersive tools and technology to manage real-life scenarios effectively.

Associate Professor Erica Campbell, Ph.D., and Assistant Professor Michelle Bates, Ph.D., led the development of the lab after securing a $55,000 grant to enhance education related to HIV/AIDS and public services.

The lab features advanced simulation technologies, including interactive software developed in collaboration with Genius Academy. This platform allows students to interact directly with virtual clients through audio and video communications. The software analyzes their responses, including spoken content and tone of voice, offering detailed feedback that guides students toward achieving a high level of proficiency.

Currently, the simulations focus on scenarios like food insecurity and HIV/AIDS. Plans are underway to incorporate other critical areas, such as intimate partner violence and mental health. Given that the social work program offers a concentration in mental health, future simulations will enable students to interact with clients experiencing various mental health conditions.

The lab also has a virtual reality (VR) setup that allows students to simulate home visits. They can virtually navigate through client homes, exploring environments ranging from orderly to chaotic, and even physically interact with items within these virtual settings. This hands-on approach significantly enhances students’ observational and analytical skills.

Assistant Professor Michelle Bates highlighted the lab’s educational impact stating in a press release: “We hope to boost self-efficacy and increase confidence so that when students take on their roles, they already have some experience in these situations.”

The lab also provides instructors with real-time insights into student performance, helping identify areas such as empathy or communication that may need further development. With this new Social Work Simulation Skills Lab, FSU aims to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-world application.