Anti Racist Curriculum 2030

Following a presentation I made at a recent JISC XR event, an exciting new collaboration has emerged to explore the role of immersive technology in supporting the development of an Anti-Racist Curriculum. This initiative is being led by Yusuf Ibrahim, Assistant Principal at Cardiff and Vale College, alongside a wider team including Leanne Howe from Gower College, who has invited me to contribute a VR-based solution to this important project.

The project is currently in its early stages, with several innovative directions being explored to create impactful, immersive experiences that help staff engage meaningfully with anti-racism training in a safe, reflective environment. It has also not currently been decided how students might get involved, and if they do, which subjects. At this stage, we are considering multiple pathways for the VR experience, including:

• AI-Driven Simulation: Inspired by the Bodyswaps model, staff would enter a safe virtual space, interact with an AI avatar, and practice diffusing sensitive situations. For example, they could explain to an avatar why a microaggression is harmful or practice leading difficult conversations with empathy and clarity.
  

• 360° Video Scenario: Another potential approach we have discussed involves using 360° filming to create realistic scenarios — for example, a scene in a café where a microaggression or overt racism occurs. Staff could view the scenario in a headset and be tasked with identifying and pausing moments of discrimination, encouraging active observation and critical thinking.
  

• Conversational AI (convai): Building on the success of convai, which is already being trialled in the VR in Dementia Project, we are also exploring whether a conversational AI experience could be developed. Staff could engage in honest, guided conversations with an AI about racism, anti-racism principles, and effective responses to real-world situations, fostering deeper understanding through interaction and reflection. This conversational AI could serve as an expert in anti-racism and curriculum providing advice and guidance to staff in the form of a VR Q+A.

Because this project is still in its infancy, we are taking time to research, prototype, and consult carefully to ensure the VR experience is respectful, educational, and impactful. We are excited about the possibilities — whether through simulation, video immersion, or AI interaction — to support the vital work of creating truly anti-racist learning environments.