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Lesson Plan: The Ethics of Virtual Reality

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://www.dwrl.utexas.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Virtual-Reality.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section bg_color=”hsl(0, 0%, 100%)” parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ class=”cs-ta-left” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”2/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]In this lesson plan, students consider the ethical questions surrounding violence in virtual reality. By reading about the 1990s debate regarding the power of video games to produce violence in the real world, they discover that these are old questions that take on new urgency in the age of virtual reality.[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”false”]Learning Objectives[/x_custom_headline][cs_text]Students engage with an intellectual debate that played out in popular discourse. They articulate an opinion based on the information. By experiencing virtual reality (VR), students discern the difference between video games and VR. They then produce a VR game trailer with iMovie by piecing together scenes/ content from films and shows that engage with artificial intelligence and VR.[/cs_text][cs_icon_list][cs_icon_list_item title=”Engage with popular discourse and articulate a position” type=”check” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]Engage with popular discourse and articulate a position[/cs_icon_list_item][cs_icon_list_item title=”Discern the difference between video games and virtual reality” type=”check” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]Discern the difference between video games and virtual reality[/cs_icon_list_item][cs_icon_list_item title=”Produce an iMovie trailer for an original VR game” type=”check” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]Produce an iMovie trailer for an original VR game[/cs_icon_list_item][/cs_icon_list][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/3″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px;”][x_feature_list][x_feature_box title=”Assignment Length” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”40px” graphic_shape=”circle” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”rgb(140, 140, 140)” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”10px” max_width=”200px” child=”true” connector_width=”1 px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”clock-o”]Two class sessions.[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Required Materials” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”40px” graphic_shape=”circle” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”hsl(0, 0%, 56%)” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”10px” max_width=”200px” child=”true” connector_width=”1 px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”cut”]Students should have access to iMovie. If there is no access to iMovie, ask students to write an essay about the ethical issues related to VR.[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Skills Necessary” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”40px” graphic_shape=”circle” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”rgb(140, 140, 140)” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”10px” max_width=”200px” child=”true” connector_width=”1 px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”download”]Video editing with iMovie.[/x_feature_box][/x_feature_list][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section bg_color=”rgb(250, 250, 250)” parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 60px;padding: 10px 0px 45px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_feature_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ icon=”globe”]Access and Adaptability[/x_feature_headline][x_gap size=”30px”][cs_text]

This lesson plan has three components.

1) Two excerpts about the 1990s debate regarding violent video games. I recommend a) Violence, Inequality, and Human Freedom, by Peter Iadicola, Anson Shupe, 58-60, b) “The Rise and Fall of Video Gaming’s Most Vocal Enemy” by Julian Benson.

This is also a helpful timeline.

2) Students engage with VR technology. This can be eliminated and substituted by demonstrations of VR technology through YouTube.

3) Students create a 1 minute trailer for their own VR video game through iMovie. If classroom computers do not have iMovie, then ask students to come up with an idea for a VR game together in a group.

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section bg_color=”rgb(225, 229, 234)” parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 60px;padding: 10px 0px 45px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_feature_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ icon=”cogs”]Assignment Description[/x_feature_headline][x_gap size=”30px”][cs_text]

Session One:

1) Students describe the reading assignments and adopt a position based on the information. May violent video games cause real violence? Students then muse about the difference between VR and current video games. Would VR complicate their opinion on the relationship between fantasy and reality?

2) Students then experiment with VR technology, preferably a violent game like Resident Evil. If the instructor does not have access to VR, please skip this.

Session Two:

1) Show students two video clips that exemplify the possible future, and ethical problems, with VR and AI. I recommend these two clips:

The Matrix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqxwtEdxOCw

West World: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eX3u0IlBBO4

2) Students then learn to use iMovie and create a short 1 minute clip of a VR game. Students will submit their trailers for review. Instructors who do not have access to iMovie may ask students, placed in groups, to produce an idea for a VR game. They should be able to describe exactly what instinct or desire the idea exploits for commercial value.

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”false”]Instructor Preparation[/x_custom_headline][cs_icon_list][cs_icon_list_item title=”Select articles for students to read” type=”check” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]Select articles for students to read[/cs_icon_list_item][cs_icon_list_item title=”Set-up the VR device” type=”check” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]Set-up the VR device[/cs_icon_list_item][cs_icon_list_item title=”Learn basic video editing through iMovie” type=”check” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]Learn basic video editing through iMovie[/cs_icon_list_item][/cs_icon_list][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”false”]Student Preparation[/x_custom_headline][cs_icon_list][cs_icon_list_item title=”Students must read the articles” type=”check” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]Students must read the articles[/cs_icon_list_item][cs_icon_list_item title=”Students must familiarize themselves with video editing” type=”check” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]Students must familiarize themselves with video editing[/cs_icon_list_item][cs_icon_list_item title=”Students must select video clips to build a trailer” type=”check” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]Students must select video clips to build a trailer[/cs_icon_list_item][/cs_icon_list][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”false”]In-Class or Assignment Instructions[/x_custom_headline][cs_icon_list][cs_icon_list_item title=”Show students video clips” type=”chevron-right” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]Show students video clips[/cs_icon_list_item][cs_icon_list_item title=”Use VR equipment” type=”chevron-right” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]Use VR equipment[/cs_icon_list_item][cs_icon_list_item title=”Create trailer through iMovie” type=”chevron-right” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]Create trailer through iMovie[/cs_icon_list_item][/cs_icon_list][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 60px;padding: 100px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_video_player type=”16:9″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UviYzKGFm4g” hide_controls=”false” autoplay=”false” no_container=”false” preload=”none” advanced_controls=”false” muted=”false” loop=”false” poster=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section bg_color=”rgb(250, 250, 250)” parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 60px;padding: 10px 0px 45px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_feature_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ icon=”pencil”]Skills Workshop[/x_feature_headline][x_gap size=”30px”][cs_text]The DWRL has produced a very helpful list regarding the technological options available to instructors interested in video/ audio production. It may be found here.

https://www.dwrl.utexas.edu/old/content/handbook/using-dwrl-software-and-equipment[/cs_text][x_video_player type=”16:9″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkkoHAzjnUs” hide_controls=”false” autoplay=”false” no_container=”false” preload=”none” advanced_controls=”false” muted=”false” loop=”false” poster=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section bg_color=”rgb(225, 229, 234)” parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 60px;padding: 10px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_feature_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ icon=”paperclip”]Assessment Suggestions[/x_feature_headline][x_gap size=”30px”][cs_text]Instructors should assess the engagement of students with the reading material, visual clips, VR technology, and iMovie. Because they are participating in interactive programs, like VR and iMovie, instructors may assess the students’ understanding of the material each step of the way.[/cs_text][x_gap size=”20px”][x_tab_nav type=”two-up” float=”top”][x_tab_nav_item title=”Suggestions for Portfolio-Style Assessment” active=”true”][x_tab_nav_item title=”Suggestions for Traditional Assessment” active=”false”][/x_tab_nav][x_tabs][x_tab active=”true”]Instructors may provide three mini-assignments. First, students may write a short piece describing the discourse on violence in video games in the 1990s. Do they think that violence in video games does pose an ethical problem? Is all violence the same?

Then they may write another short essay as a follow-up, describing whether or not virtual reality complicates their original position on the possible ethical problems.

Finally, the iMovie represents the third assignment, in which instructors may assess the various components of the iMovie: a cogent engagement with violence, the development of a coherent trailer/ narrative through video editing, and creativity. [/x_tab][x_tab active=”false”]Instructors may forego the first two assignments presented in the Portfolio-Style Assessment in favor of discussing those subjects in class. A more traditional assessment would include an essay describing popular culture’s representation of violence in relation to AI or VR as well as an assessment of the iMovie students produce (see the Portfolio-Style assignment for directions on grading the iMovie). [/x_tab][/x_tabs][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

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