O. Lube dos Santos
The integration of immersive technologies with traditional learning management systems represents a transformative approach to addressing emotional health and well-being in professional development. This study presents an innovative Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that combines Learning Management Systems (LMS) with Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) experiences to deliver comprehensive emotional health training for public sector workers, aligning with Brazil's new NR-1 regulatory guidelines for occupational health and safety.
The developed MOOC platform addresses critical gaps in emotional support and mental health training across four strategic areas: public administration, healthcare, public safety, and education. The platform leverages immersive technologies to create transformative learning experiences that enhance knowledge retention, emotional engagement, and practical skill development beyond traditional online learning approaches.
Our VLE architecture integrates multiple technological components creating a comprehensive learning ecosystem. The LMS foundation provides structured course delivery, progress tracking, and assessment capabilities, while VR and AR modules offer immersive experiential learning scenarios simulating real-world emotional challenges and decision-making contexts. This hybrid approach enables learners to practice emotional regulation techniques, stress management strategies, and interpersonal communication skills in safe, controlled virtual environments before professional application.
The platform addresses specific occupational challenges across different public sector domains. Public administration professionals receive strategic emotional management tools for decision-making under institutional pressure and conflict resolution. Healthcare workers access specialized protocols for emotional self-care and burnout prevention. Public safety personnel learn emotional regulation strategies for high-risk operational environments. Educational professionals benefit from emotional strengthening practices focusing on burnout prevention and improved team dynamics.
Implementation demonstrates significant scalability and impact, reaching over 10,300 individuals across 134 organizations over 14 years of development. The platform incorporates evidence-based methodologies validated through practical application, ensuring learning outcomes translate effectively to real-world professional performance improvements.
The VR and AR components create immersive experiences that potentiate learning beyond traditional educational boundaries. These technologies enable learners to experience realistic emotional scenarios, practice coping strategies in controlled environments, and develop emotional intelligence through experiential learning impossible to replicate through conventional training methods.
This innovative approach addresses the growing recognition that emotional health and well-being are fundamental to professional effectiveness, particularly in public sector contexts where professionals face unique stressors. The platform's alignment with NR-1 regulatory requirements ensures compliance with occupational health standards while providing practical implementation tools across diverse organizational contexts.
Keywords: Virtual Learning Environment, Virtual Reality, Emotional Health, Professional Development, Educational Technology, Well-being.