Summary:

In this episode of Acadicus Simulation Pulse Live, Jon Brouchoud and Bill Ballo discuss the power of faculty-driven VR adoption, how grassroots engagement is expanding VR programs, and how VR is becoming embedded in medical and nursing education. Bill shares insights from his recent VR Healthcare Summit presentation with Melissa Surway, highlighting how faculty storytelling is more effective than top-down initiatives.

They also explore how new instructors are getting interested in VR through peer recommendations, leading to more adoption across multiple campuses. Madison College is continuing to scale its XR Center, now serving 26 programs, with new campuses like Fort Atkinson joining the fold.

The episode also touches on the importance of sharing lessons learned, both through academic publishing and professional presentations, to expand awareness and accelerate VR adoption in education.

Episode Highlights:

Faculty Storytelling Drives VR Adoption

• Melissa Surway & Bill’s Presentation at the VR Healthcare Summit

  • Highlighted VR integration in nursing education.
  • Faculty-led storytelling proved more effective than top-down mandates.
  • More instructors are adopting VR after hearing direct testimonials from peers.

• Instructors Are Driving Expansion

  • Faculty conversations about VR are spreading organically, leading to new program adoption.
  • Fort Atkinson is now joining Madison College’s growing list of VR-enabled campuses.
  • Some campuses are adopting VR before official initiatives reach them, simply by word of mouth.

The Academic Responsibility of Sharing VR Research

• VR adopters should share their lessons learned through presentations & publications.
• Conferences like VR Healthcare Summit, IMSH, and EDUCAUSE are great platforms for educators.
• Early adopters who share their work help normalize VR in education & healthcare training.
• Instead of keeping VR methods “competitive secrets,” sharing insights improves patient care globally.

Scaling VR Across Campuses & Programs

• Madison College now supports 26 programs with VR.
• Plans to expand into chemistry, aviation, and other disciplines.
• Hiring of new XR staff to meet growing demand for simulation labs.
• The pendulum swing of VR adoption is shifting back toward steady growth after the post-pandemic slowdown.

The Evolution of VR & The Role of AI in Simulation

• The VR adoption curve mirrors the early days of mannequin simulation.
• The next wave of VR headsets and AI enhancements will continue accelerating adoption.
• AI in VR must be carefully tested before replacing human facilitators.
• The danger of over-automating education—faculty should remain central to the learning process.

The long-term success of VR in education relies on faculty storytelling, strategic adoption, and a steady approach to innovation. Madison College continues to expand its VR initiatives, proving that a grassroots approach is the most effective way to scale immersive learning.