133756Virtual Reality in Education: Exploring Risk-Taking Behaviours and PreventionClosedFeasibility StudiesISCF"This is an early stage research and development program that aims to educate young people on risk-taking behaviours using state of the art VR technology and drama techniques. We aim to create a new and innovative way of learning that allows young people to experience replications of real life scenarios through the use of Virtual Reality. This platform will encourage young people to practice critical thinking, decision making and understanding the consequences of their actions when faced with difficult situations. Based on previous research that we have carried out, risk-taking behviours in today's society can include: 1\. Alcohol and drugs 2\. Agressive behaviour and violence 3\. Online behaviour Using head-set based VR, we will look to create an immersive walk-through experience that allows the participants to assess the behaviour of others and reflect on their own choices. By developing a unique story based on factual information, thorough research and real-life accounts, each participant will travel through a narrative that adapts itself depending on the choices made. To define what risk-taking behaviour means to young people in today's climate we will first conduct research with our intended audience across the UK. Round Midnight, a creative arts company, specialise in working with young people and bringing to life relevant and important issues that they face today, through the use of creative techniques, performance and dramaturgical tools. During our research we will aim to discover what risks effect young people, where the root causes lie and find potential solutions to how we can address these issues. During this research period, Professor Robert Stone will act as a consultant on this program and offer his expertise in this field. A ""veteran"" of the Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality (VR, AR, MxR) communities for over 30 years, Robert (Bob) Stone is Professor of Interactive Multimedia Systems within the Department of Electronic, Electrical & Systems Engineering at the University of Birmingham, where he is also Director of the Human Interface Technologies (HIT) Team. Working in conjunction with BDH, we will develop a prototype VR program that we will deliver to pilot Key Stage 3 audiences across the UK. This will allow the team to assess the impact of the research, the prototype program and it's relevance to today's educational market."