Jill Burrows (psychology professor), Dean Kolebaba (instructor and Program Chair for the School of Justice Studies), and Lyle Ruggles (e-learning specialist) chat about the innovative teaching and learning pathways virtual reality (VR) is creating at Lethbridge Polytechnic.

This trio discuss how they have integrated narrative-driven VR into their classrooms, including what's worked, what hasn't, and what new developments they'll continue to adopt in the future.

Jill, Dean, and Lyle share how VR technology is helping students practice public speaking and interpersonal communication skills in a safe environment, and how it’s helping to nurture greater empathy, compassion, and understanding for individuals struggling with mental health challenges (like autism and schizophrenia).

During the show, guests and Donna (host) mention:

• General Arts and Science - Psychology and Sociology Diploma
• Therapeutic Recreation - Gerontology
• Criminal Justice Studies
• Justice Studies
• Justice and Human Services Programs
• Wind Turbine Technician
• Massage Therapy program
• Ovation VR
• Chris Milk TED Talk: How virtual reality can create the ultimate empathy machine
• Sharecare
• MetaQuest

Monica, Aderiyike, Jude, and Divine — nursing students at Lethbridge Polytechnic — share their experiences of cultural identity and community support as they navigate (sometimes discriminatory) systems in Canada.

The group discuss resilience and the importance of community for mental health and belonging, along with what they appreciate about Black History Month at Lethbridge Polytechnic. During the show, guests and host (Donna) mention:

• Practical Nursing at Lethbridge Polytechnic
• Yoruba tribe
• Igbo tribe
• LPSA – Lethbridge Polytechnic Student Association
• Services Canada
• Racial bias in pain assessment and treatment recommendations, and false beliefs about biological differences between blacks and whites
• Jollof rice

“Ultimately, my focus is on making space for perspectives that have historically been excluded and ensuring our work contributes to the systemic change.” ~ Dr. Kirsten Fantazir, Research Chair at Lethbridge Polytechnic

Dr. Kirsten Fantazir (Instructor and Research Chair at Lethbridge Polytechnic), and Dr. Jami Albright-Tolman (Instructor and Researcher), share about public safety applied research projects that are fostering connection with Blackfoot communities, and preparing students for careers in public safety.

Kirsten and Jami expand on Community Integration Through Art Pissatsinaskssini (CITAP), and how its Creative Circles can foster healing, trust, and reconciliation.

CITAP brings together Indigenous elders, students, and community partners to share meals, art, and cultural practices—and challenge stereotypes about houseless and vulnerable populations. Kirsten and Jami highlight early results, ethical practices, and the importance of authentic relationships and Indigenous ways of knowing.

During the show, guests and Donna (host) mention:

• CPSAR – Centre for Public Safety Applied Research
• CITAP – Community Integration Through Art - Pissatsinaskssini
• Ninastako Cultural Centre
• E05: Gamifying Grammar with Murray Bartley and Kirsten Fantazir
• E56: The positionality effect – Building empathy through reflection and transparency about your place in the world
• Dude’s Club
• Sir Robert Peel’s Policing Principles
• Niitsitapi Eats and Treats
• RAs (resident assistants)
• Tsimshian
• Haida
• RINSA
• CI-CAN National Indigenous Education Symposium
• First Thunder Wellness
• Criminal Justice at Lethbridge Polytechnic
• VR Core
• York Regional Police, Ontario
• Bill C48
• Social Determinants of Health