The University of Utah’s Virtual Skills & Workforce Trainer (VSWT), developed by Chad McDonald and Matt Davis, uses artificial intelligence and virtual reality to transform social work and behavioral health training. The platform features an interactive AI chatbot that simulates clients and caregivers, providing learners with unlimited practice opportunities and personalized expert feedback on motivational interviewing skills through a Duolingo-inspired progressive learning structure. A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that the VMI application produces significant skill improvements comparable to traditional training methods, while addressing critical barriers such as limited practice opportunities and the lack of specific feedback in conventional role-play training.
