A Virtual Reality (VR) classroom developed at the Centre for Advanced Learning Technologies in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (CALTSTEAM), situated within the Faculty of Education, in collaboration with the Swiss Distance University of Applied Sciences (FFHS), represents a significant advancement in the application of immersive technologies for teacher education. This breakthrough initiative, funded through the prestigious Higher Ed XR Innovation Grant awarded by Unity and Meta, is situated within the framework of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) and aims to reshape and enhance the professional preparation of science pre-service teachers (PSTs) through immersive microteaching experiences. This transformative breakthrough innovation in the training of teachers will reshape educational practices, influence professional development, and advance pedagogical knowledge. It adheres to the optimal purpose of what SoTL is all about in shaping the next generation of educators, and discusses emerging trends that will define the future of teaching and learning in teacher training. By simulating authentic classroom environments, the VR platform provides a dynamic and interactive context in which PSTs rehearse science teaching practices, engage in reflective observation, and develop pedagogical competencies in a low-risk, yet realistic setting. In this experience, PSTs are immersed in a VR classroom that closely resembles an actual classroom. Here, the “teacher” delivers lessons using a Meta Quest Pro headset with eyetracking functions, and “learners” participate in the lesson using an Oculus Quest 2 headset. Within the VR classroom, the “teacher” engages the “learners” in slideshows and video displays using a whiteboard, quizzes, interactive 3D models, and facilitates teacher-learner interaction through whole-class discussion and breakaway smallgroup learner-learner interactions. See on the following page some of these features of the VR classroom (Figure 1). This transformative breakthrough innovation in the training of teachers will reshape educational practices, influence professional development, and advance pedagogical knowledge. A Journey of Innovation 38
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