Commands for TE (teacher educator) and TC (teacher candidate) 

• Begin simulation – This command informs the sim tech that the simulation will begin and to activate the avatars. 
• Pause simulation – This command will indicate to the sim tech to pause the avatars while the TE and TC hold a discussion. 
• Resume: Resumes the scenario from where it was paused last. 
• Stop simulation – This command tells the sim tech that the simulation part of the class is over and to sign off. 

Avatar capabilities 

• Use hands to gesture in a general way when speaking 
• Raise hands 
• Read or look at work 
• Write 
• Look at phone (phone can also be heard ringing) 
• Other general gestures/postures: thinking, boredom, not paying attention, fidgety 

(If avatars are asked to do something that is not possible, they will respond with “The principal said we can’t do that”) 

(If there are technical difficulties which need to be addressed an avatar will say “I have to go to the bathroom”) 

Avatar Facial expressions 

• Smile 
• Frown 
• Confused 
• Hopeful 
• Angry 
• Sad 

Terms 

Request Form – Form filled out by the teacher educator to request a Mursion session. 

Scenario Form – Form filled out by the teacher educator that records what will be covered during the session. 

Scenario – Information the teacher educator provides about what will be covered during the session. The simulation specialist will work with the teacher educator on this process. 

Session – The actual time on Mursion with teacher candidates, teacher educator and the simulation specialist. 

Avatars – The students in the Mursion system the teacher candidates will be teaching. 

Teacher Candidates (TC)– The student teachers working with the avatars 

Teacher Educator (TE) – The instructor of the teacher candidates. 

Simulation Specialist – The actor for all of the avatars and person with whom the teacher educator will plan the scenario. 

Class Structure – The format in which the session will occur. (Individual instruction or groups) 

Intensity Levels – Behaviors of student and adult avatars 

Student 

• Low – avatars are generally compliant, have mild to no misbehaviors. 
• Medium – avatars will need several reminders to get back on track. 
• High – avatars exhibit multiple misbehaviors and will struggle with staying on task. 

Adult 

• Low – one to two pushbacks, seeks to understand and has in general a positive attitude 
• Medium – three to four pushbacks with attitude but eventually will arrive at some type of solution 
• High – constant pushback, heavy attitude and no solution