Diverse Horizons: VR for Transformative Inclusive Education

Today’s business demands that graduates to collaborate across diverse teams and engage with customers from multifaceted backgrounds and abilities. Employers consistently report a gap in new graduates’ readiness to effectively work in diverse environments. This learning gap is particularly pronounced in large-enrolment university courses.

My approach to the challenges has been to innovate within the curriculum through the incorporation of technology, specifically virtual reality (VR). This solution enables scalable, authentic experiences that immerse students in the lived experiences of diverse groups, including people with disabilities—a demographic that students often lack prior exposure to.

In 2023, I spearheaded Virtual Reality (VR) experiences in the Elements of Marketing course, a large first year Mater of Commerce course with over 1,500 enrolled students across four teaching terms. The VR experiences foster a diversity mindset and practical understanding of inclusive marketing practices. This VR module, titled “Riding with Amy,” allowed students to experience a day in the life of a woman with a disability, creating a profound, empathetic understanding of her daily challenges. The result of this innovation has been a marked improvement in students’ ability to empathize with and understand the needs of diverse consumer groups, equipping them with the skills to devise inclusive marketing strategies.

The project leverages Virtual Reality (VR) to transform educational experiences, promoting deep understanding of diversity. This innovative VR project immerses students in the real-world challenges faced by marginalized communities, enhancing their ability to engage inclusively in professional settings. The project has won multiple education awards, including Financial Times Responsible Business Education Award 2025, 2024 Innovation in Marketing Education Award (Runner-up) by the American Marketing Association.