New challenges in teaching legal disciplines in higher education: the virtual forensic training ground

Introduction. Most Russian VR simulators for forensic science offer limited functionality, unrealistic visuals, and a modest range of available forensic tools and techniques. These simulators generally do not provide alternative (analog) ways of solving forensic problems. Developers of forensic VR simulators tend to focus on visual variety and vividness of crime scenes, creating step-by-step training versions, yet often fail to present how these tools are used within actual academic curricula. The existing simulators do not align with current trends in forensic science education. To match the university's educational goals and curricula, a forensic VR simulator is to help develop professional competencies, build skills in forensic tactics and techniques, and provide authentic technical and forensic support for crime scene examination. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted at Tyumen State University. The research methods included: analysis of scientific reports and publications, summary of survey results from students and instructors at Tyumen State University (203 participants), testing of forensic VR simulators, and synthesis of practical experience in applying them during academic sessions. KEYWORDS Results. The methodology of using a VR simulator for university students of forensics was analyzed. Immersing students in a virtual environment positively affects their motivation, emotional engagement, independence, visual understanding of material, and memory retention. The overwhelming majority of participants (95.56%) found classes using the VR simulator engaging. A small proportion of students (up to 6%) experienced physical discomfort due to individual sensitivity to virtual reality, which prevents this teaching method from being considered fully universal. Conclusion. Using a modern forensic VR simulator calls for new methodological approaches and highlights its advantages: authentic recreation of procedures for working with evidence and forensic tools. At the same time, conducting forensic classes in a virtual environment requires an increase in academic hours allocated to the discipline, as well as prior training for all participants in how to operate the VR simulator.