From the Virtual World to the Real World: Exploring the Potentiality of Single User Virtual Learning Environments in Improving the Social Communication Skills of Autistic Students
Year: 2018

This proposed study will explore via an extensive literature review the potential of single user virtual learning environments in improving the social communication skills of Autistic students in real world, human interactions. The study will involve the building of a comprehensive corpus of texts, the coding of said corpus using open coding and the textual analysis software Antconc 3.4, and evaluating the findings of such textual analysis by recommending future avenues of research in light of the secondary data examined. FROM THE VIRTUAL WORLD TO THE REAL WORLD 2 Research Problem and Context Problem Area Individuals with Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD) typically experience a wide spectrum of difficulties in both social interactions and while communicating their thoughts or feelings with others; however, researchers have been investigating whether computer mediated, role playing virtual reality technologies could be suitable for treating autistic individuals who struggle with communication related distress on a daily basis. My proposed study is primarily descriptive in nature while also correlative because it attempts to describe an already studied phenomenon (virtual reality and its potential effect on the social communication skills of autistic students) while also discussing the theoretical and historical aspects of virtual reality and ASD theories. In regard to the correlational aspect of my study, I will attempt to identify, clarify, and decipher the possible relationships between these two multi dimensional variables. ASD theories will also further illuminate the potential relationships between these two variables by providing the framework through which the data collected on these topics will be analyzed. Viewing these theories and proposed ideas from a particular, pre specified framework will also help me compartmentalize the data in correspondence with the design of my proposed research study. Therefore, my research question includes the following: How can virtual reality (VR) in the form of computer assisted, role play technologies, assist autistic students in developing better social communication skills and applying those skills in real world human interactions? FROM THE VIRTUAL WORLD TO THE REAL WORLD 3 In conclusion, the overall purpose of this research study is to propose an extensive literature review that investigates the possible correlation or relationship between virtual reality programs and the improvement of the social communication skills of autistic students and their applicability of those skills in authentic, real world human interactions outside the classroom. Operational Definitions The following list includes operational definitions for the specific concepts and ideas included in my research question. By operationally defining these terms, readers will gain a more holistic understanding of my intended work and how I plan to approach these concepts in light of my proposed research study. Virtual reality (VR) a specialized software that immerses users in a simulated environment via computer programming for the purposes of treating a developmental disorder. Computer assisted, role play technologies: pre programmed, interactive, artificially intelligent interfaces that allow users to assume the role of an online character/avatar in a simulated environment. Assist: to provide support or help in achieving a certain objective or goal. Autistic students: although autistic students exhibit signs of this developmental disorder in different ways, these students generally experience difficulties during social interaction and are often very routine oriented in nature. Develop: to grow or to expand upon one's abilities in a certain area, such as skills in communication. Better social communication skills: to improve upon and gain confidence in one's faceto face interactions or experiences with others; this includes both verbal and non verbal communication. Applying: to put certain skills or knowledge to action; to put certain skills to practical use outside of the classroom. Real world human interactions: practical, non synthetic verbal and non verbal communication encounters with individuals outside of the classroom. FROM THE VIRTUAL WORLD TO THE REAL WORLD 4