Virtual Reality in Teachers' Vocal Motor Behavior Acquisition (VirtuVox)

Virtual Reality in Teachers' Vocal Motor Behavior Acquisition (VirtuVox): Randomized Controlled Trial

Scientific literature supports that teachers are at greater risk for voice disorders than the general population. In the classroom, the teacher's voice represents the main communication tool. Optimal voice use is indispensable to ensure effective teaching and preserve the teacher's vocal health.

This project investigates how virtual reality (VR) facilitates the learning of effective vocal skills and their application in real-world contexts. Based on acoustic analyses and self-assessment scales, the investigators compare 100 future teachers randomly assigned in two groups. The experimental group (n=50) receives a voice training by VR simulations and voice information. The control group (n=50) only receives voice information.

Experimental group participants receive direct method (three 1-hour sessions of voice training by virtual reality simulations over a course of 3 weeks) and indirect method (one 1-hour session of information on voice function and voice hygiene). Control group participants receive indirect method (one 1-hour session of information on voice function and voice hygiene).

Inclusion Criteria:

• future teacher having completed at least one internship as a schoolteacher
• speaking French fluently

Exclusion Criteria:

• hearing impairment
• voice pathology at the time of the study