On October 8, 2024, the project team invited Professor Ke Yijun to give a lecture titled "Transitional Realities: Perceptual Reshaping in VR," which allowed us to experience a new and exciting field. The lecture highlighted how virtual reality (VR) technology is transforming our perception of reality, exploring its impacts from multiple dimensions such as psychology, neuroscience, and sociocultural perspectives. Professor Ke emphasized that VR is not just an advancement in technological applications; it is gradually leading us to rethink the future of human perception and interaction. In the complex and ever-changing real world, VR can serve as an effective tool to help people re-understand themselves, others, and their surrounding environment. The application of VR technology in fields like healthcare, education, and training demonstrates its potential, particularly in mental reshaping, trauma treatment, and psychological support, where it holds unparalleled advantages. In the context of university social responsibility (USR) programs, this topic holds powerful inspirational and practical value. As VR technology develops, we can see how it can help disadvantaged groups access more learning resources and psychological counseling, while also promoting social integration and inclusion through innovative experiences. Under the mission of USR, this project is dedicated to advancing the well-being of vulnerable communities, whether in education, mental health, or social care. VR technology can be a strong driving force in this mission. Professor Ke also specifically mentioned that in remote or resource-poor communities, VR’s low-threshold applications can break down geographical and economic barriers, providing more people with access to quality education and psychological resources. During the lecture, Professor Ke presented several examples of using VR for psychological therapy, allowing us to directly experience the powerful influence of this technology. She pointed out that VR can simulate a safe, controllable environment, enabling users to gradually face and overcome inner fears and trauma, which is difficult to achieve with traditional therapeutic methods. At the same time, VR’s immersive experience also facilitates perceptual reshaping, allowing users to reassess themselves and the world around them with a more open and positive attitude. Aligned with the mission of university social responsibility, we see future, more diverse, and concrete directions for action. Professor Ke's insights inspired us to think about how to incorporate VR technology into the vision of "coexistence and inclusion" in our future plans, particularly in mental health and psychological support. Through immersive technology, we can help vulnerable groups rebuild confidence and find a sense of belonging. We believe this is not only a technological advancement but also a deepening of social responsibility, echoing our commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Finally, through this lecture, we gained a deeper understanding that the core of university social responsibility programs is not just short-term social interventions, but creating long-term, sustainable social impacts. The VR applications outlined by Dr. Ke provided us with a fresh perspective, and we look forward to incorporating this technology into our future programs. We aim for our efforts to not only change individuals' lives but also pave the way for the overall health and inclusiveness of society.

Implemented by Center for Teaching and Learning Development
Date: 2024/10/08