PROGRAM STRUCTURE
THE LEARNING JOURNEY
Connecting Cultures is not a single experience. It is a journey — structured, scaffolded, and designed to build cultural responsiveness progressively before, during, and after each simulation.
STRUCTURE
THE INTEGRATED PATHWAY
Every module in Connecting Cultures sits within a four-stage integrated learning pathway. Students don't simply enter a VR simulation cold — they arrive prepared, engage deeply, reflect critically, and consolidate their learning before moving forward.
01.
CONTEXT
eLearning modules that build the cultural, historical, and practical foundations students need before entering each simulation.
02.
SIMULATION
Immersive VR experiences set on Country, where students engage directly with simulated Community members in branching, consequence-driven scenarios.
03.
REFLECTION
Structured activities that draw meaning from the simulation experience, connecting what happened to practice, theory, and personal growth.
04.
RECAP
​Consolidation of key learnings before progressing to the next stage of the journey.
THE MODULES
6 MODULES. ONE JOURNEY.
The program comprises 6 modules, alternating between eLearning and VR simulation. Each simulation is preceded and followed by contextual eLearning, ensuring the immersive experience is never isolated from its theoretical and reflective foundations.
VR SIMULATIONS
THE SIMULATIONS
Each simulation was co-designed with Community and places students in first-person, on-Country scenarios. Students make real decisions with real consequences — and learn from both.
SIMULATION 1
Ready to Go?
Students prepare for their first visit to a remote Aboriginal Community — researching cultural protocols, logistical considerations, appropriate dress, and community-specific context before entering Country.
SIMULATION 2
Cultural Introductions
Students arrive on Country, navigate the Community atmosphere, respond to camp dogs, and practise culturally responsive approaches to introducing themselves.
SIMULATION 3
Culturally Responsive Community Engagement
Students engage directly with Community members, applying active listening, silence, patience, and non-linear dialogue — communicating without professional jargon in a way that resonates with Community.
SIMULATION 4
Navigating Diversity within Community
Students engage with individuals within the Community, adapting their social work practice to meet individual needs and demonstrating culturally responsive and inclusive language.
SIMULATION 5
Sorry Business
Students navigate balancing their academic and professional obligations with Community cultural protocols during Sorry Business.
SIMULATION 6
Racism and Anti-Racism
Students experience racist attitudes in their non-Indigenous workplace. The students are challenged to make decisions that reflect anti-racist practices and how to advocate for the Community.
ELEARNING MODULES
THE ELEARNING
MODULE 1
Journey of Cultural Responsiveness
An introduction to the program's purpose, structure, and central why — to increase cultural responsiveness in social work students to reduce real world harm.
MODULE 2
Self Awareness
A critical self-reflection module exploring personal history, cultural background, assumptions, biases and positionality, and how these shape interactions on Country.
MODULE 3
Communication Foundations
An introduction to the core principles and practice of First Peoples Community engagement — understanding responsive engagement strategies, reciprocity, and relationality.
MODULE 4
Working with Diversity
An examination of how experiences of diversity may impact social work practice — understanding inclusive and culturally respectful engagement and showing respect and relational accountability.
MODULE 5
Sorry Business
Develop an understanding of the cultural significance of Sorry Business, focusing on the protocols, responsibilities, and relational practices that support respectful and culturally responsive engagement.
MODULE 6A + 6B
Racism Parts 1 and 2 – Understanding Systemic Racism and Allegiance in Social Work
An examination of the impacts of racism, allegiance, and anti-racist practice on engagement with First Peoples Communities — develop the knowledge and skills to critically recognise unconscious bias, challenge discriminatory practices, and engage in relational, accountable, and anti-racist social work practice.