Application of virtual reality towards social skills learning among children with autism spectrum disorder in Malaysian inclusive preschool classrooms

Chin,Sharon Fung Fung

Abstract

In Malaysian inclusive preschool classrooms, the learning of all academic subjects among Students with Special Needs (SSN) are based on the national curriculum like other mainstream students in inclusive preschool classrooms. As according to the framework of Kurikulum Standard Prasekolah Kebangsaan (KSPK), social skills is a crucial element to be learnt in one key domain of the six pillars, self-appearance. However, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are having a complex developmental condition which involve challenges in social skills. Children with ASD take longer than other typical children to learn social skills. Fortunately, technology has grown exponentially towards providing learning tools among children with ASD such as the use of Virtual Reality (VR). VR offers a computer-generated simulation that allows its users to experience and interact with a virtually structured environment. VR has provided many opportunities for children with ASD to build social skills through the designed Virtual Environments (VEs) with the representation of people or Virtual Agents (VAs) and objects. It enables children with ASD to have control over the learning process and feel more comfortable to interact with VAs as compared to a face-to-face real communication scenario. In short, this paper will be discussing on the application of VR in assisting children with ASD in their social skills learning alongside with their typical peers in inclusive preschool classrooms.

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