Victor Sandoval
Advancements in immersive technology are creating new opportunities for improving communication skills in Information Technology and Cybersecurity education. This project explores the use of augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) headsets combined with AI-driven simulations to help undergraduate students build confidence, reduce anxiety, and practice real-world communication skills. Using the VirtualSpeech platform, students were guided through scenarios where they presented security risk findings to an AI-driven avatar for realistic settings. These sessions were designed to replicate high-pressure professional environments, allowing students to practice quick thinking and technical communication in a safe and controlled setting. Fifty students from IT and Cybersecurity courses participated in the exercise, which includes Cyber 100, Security Risk and Analysis (SRA) 211, and Cyber 221. Before each simulation, students conducted a standard security risk analysis and prepared a brief presentation. They then entered an AR/VR environment where an AI avatar asked follow-up questions aligned with real Chief Information Officer expectations. Early findings suggest that students felt more confident speaking in stressful settings and found the immersive experience valuable for preparing for internships, presentations, and technical interviews. Many students also reported that AI-driven questioning helped them think more critically and communicate more clearly under pressure. Student researchers supported the design and delivery of these activities by managing the VirtualSpeech platform, uploading materials, and assisting participants throughout the simulations. While additional analysis is underway, initial feedback indicates that AR/VR technology and AI-generated interactions can play a meaningful role in communication training for technology-focused students. Future work will examine long-term skill development, expanded classroom use, and ways to increase accessibility for a broader range of learners can benefit from these immersive communication practices.