Online role plays and the virtual placement

Aiding reflection in work integrated learning

Abstract

This paper presents the framework for an online role play which forms part of the student learning experience in a virtual placement. The virtual placement is complementary to a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Professional Internship concurrently undertaken in a criminal justice agency. Whilst completing the Professional Internship, students conduct an Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) risk assessment of the workplace, in consultation with industry supervisors and academic staff. The outcome of the risk assessment forms the foundation of the role play which involves the student advising, consulting and negotiating with various stakeholders to implement OH&S improvements to the workplace. Laurillard’s (2002) “conversational framework” provides the theoretical underpinning for the role play. The online role play will be implemented and evaluated in first semester of 2008 at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.