Background: Previous studies have shown that virtual reality (VR) is effective in reducing acute and chronic pain both in adults and in children. Given the emergence of new VR technology, and the growing body of research surrounding VR and pain management, an updated systematic review is warranted. Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review is to compare the effectiveness of VR in reducing acute and chronic pain in adults. Data Sources: A search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Trip) using standardized search terms. Study Selection: Twenty experimental and quasi-experimental trials published between January 2007 and December 2018 were included based on prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pain intensity was the primary outcome. Data Extraction: We extracted data and appraised the quality of articles using either the PEDro or Modified Downs and Black risk of bias tools. Data Synthesis: The majority of studies supported the use of VR to reduce acute pain both during the procedure and immediately after. Numerous studies found VR reduced chronic pain during VR exposure but there is insufficient evidence to support lasting analgesia. There was considerable variability in patient population, pain condition and dosage of VR exposure. Limitations: Due to heterogeneity, we were unable to perform meta-analyses for all study populations and pain conditions. Conclusions: VR is an effective treatment for reducing acute pain. There is some research that suggests VR can reduce chronic pain during the intervention; however, more evidence is needed to conclude that VR is effective for lasting reductions in chronic pain.

This research was conducted to evaluate the learning experience of Grade Ten students from two Malaysian rural secondary schools that adopted the integration of STEM in an Engineering Design Process (STEM-EDP) approach vis-á-vis an outreach challenge program. A total of 89 students undertook a ten hour program which engaged them in designing and building three different prototypes as well as answering higher order thinking questions. Data on students’ learning experience were captured through participants’ responses to a six-point Likert scale questionnaire, teachers’ field notes, and open-ended questions. The questionnaire result reveals statistically significant gains in knowledge or skills about, attitudes toward, and practices on STEM. The STEM-EDP outreach challenge program brought awareness to rural school students of their potential as problem solvers, thinkers, creators, and collaborators. Students were able to simultaneously broaden their boundaries in knowledge and competency even though they experienced difficulties in tackling challenges associated with STEM activities. Findings suggested that the STEM-EDP approach can be applied as a means for fostering creativity, problem solving skills, and thinking skills among rural secondary school students. Keywords: engineering design process, higher order thinking, outreach challenge program, rural schools, STEM.

Much has been written on the shortfalls in fully realizing the benefits of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. STEM is important, because it pervades every aspect of our lives. Nevertheless, STEM education is considered as hard, dull, and without emotional meaning. This article examines how the use of robotics in education benefits STEM learning and how teachers can get started with a robotics program in schools. In this study, students develop their building and programming skills teamwork, and presentation skills, as well as touch on STEM subjects school students using the LEGO NXT Mindstorm programmable reconfigurable robot, to observe and learn abstract physics concepts and to perform different designed activities. Students work in teams toward the common goal of developing logical and creative solutions to problems. The results of the study indicated that there was a statistically significant difference in overall perceptions of assessments in STEM Semantics Perception Data, STEM Career Interest Scales and in the interview sessions. It is hoped that this program may set the stage for the transformation of the Malaysian education system which aspires to ensure that every student in every school in every state achieves their full potential, as stated in the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025.