What is VSWT?
The VSWT is a platform designed to help students and professionals learn and practice critical skills outside of working with real clients.
VSWT currently focuses on training core skills for Child Welfare, Physical Therapy, and Behavioral Health.
The system is built on the principle of deliberate practice, offering repeatable, targeted exercises with immediate, expert feedback to help trainees achieve competence.
Visit our Products and About Us pages to learn more.
What type of data does VSWT collect?
The data that is referred to in the agreement, and the ONLY data this software collects is the usage data, which is the data that is created when the learners are moving about in the software levels and making decisions. The servers collect how long they practice, which skills modules they practice, each decision they make during the practice, and their accuracy, etc. We know emails and names since that is what they used to log in with (and that is what each jurisdiction gives us to approve their access), but there is no PII that is collected beyond this.
We don’t even know passwords, and can’t see them if we try. Which is why they would need to reset their password on their own using the prompts should they forget it. And this software does not communicate with other programs on the local device (since it is all run from the same folder that was copied to the local device). The software does communicate with some of the settings to understand what the screen size and resolution is in order to optimize view-ability accordingly. And there is the option to print a screen here or there so those system files are communicated with, but that is about it.
What is the difference between the Virtual Home Simulation (VHS) and the Virtual Motivational Interviewing (VMI) app?
The VSWT platform includes multiple applications. The Virtual Home Simulation (VHS) is a VR or PC-based tool for practicing the skill of identifying risk and protective factors during home visits.
The Virtual Motivational Interviewing (VMI) app is a phone-based application designed to teach and provide practice opportunities for motivational interviewing and engagement skills.
Who is VSWT for?
VSWT is designed for a variety of users within the human services field, including:
Why Choose VSWT?
The Virtual Skills & Workforce Trainer (VSWT) is more than a suite of simulation-based technology products. It is an evidence-based approach, developed by experts, based on instructional theory, to build skills toward mastery.
Check out our YouTube Channel to see why VSWT is the best solution of its kind.
FAQs
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VSWT's training approach is based on deliberate practice, which involves targeted repetition with constant feedback. Trainees use either a VR headset or a standard computer for VHS, or a mobile phone for VMI, to engage in realistic simulations or scenarios. The platform tracks a user's decisions and provides immediate, expert feedback, allowing them to repeatedly practice specific skills until they achieve a high level of proficiency.
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Traditional training often lacks the opportunity for hands-on, repetitive practice. VSWT addresses this by offering a safe, simulated environment where trainees can practice skills and make mistakes without real-world consequences. This allows for personalized, data-driven training that enhances the consistency and quality of social work practices before workers ever enter the field.
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The VHS module focuses on identifying risk and protective factors in home environments, suicide assessment and safety planning, worker safety when conducting home visits, and Structured Decision Making. The VMI app features training for 15 core Motivational Interviewing (MI) skills, including open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries, as well as more complex strategies. Additional skills modules are in development.
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VSWT is designed for implementation in both academic and agency settings. The system is deployed through a consortium model, and partnerships are developed based on mutual interest in advancing professional education and training. For more information on implementation and obtaining user credentials, you can contact [email protected].
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VSWT is designed to be a cost-effective and affordable training solution. Our main intention as a Service Center at the University of Utah is to improve outcomes nationwide rather than seek profits. We do our best to keep the prices low, essentially to cover our costs. While specific pricing depends on the implementation scope and institutional needs, VSWT is designed to cover the costs of server space, development, and personnel. Funding opportunities, such as Title IV-E funds, can be used for implementation. For Child Welfare-focused agencies and universities, you can use Title IV-E, Caseworker Visitation funds, and CAPTA funds towards VSWT implementations.