Innovative Learning

Abstract

The development of critical thinking and decision-making skills is essential to link knowledge to practice in prelicensure nursing education. Immersive virtual reality (VR) is a teaching modality that provides students with an interactive way to develop their knowledge and skills. Faculty at a large mid-Atlantic university developed an innovative strategy to deploy immersive VR in a senior-level advanced laboratory technologies course with 110 students. Implementation of this approach to VR was intended to augment clinical learning in a safe learning environment.

Prebrief Time for Immersive Virtual and Augmented Reality Simulation

“…Although there is some consistency in the 7 articles, a comprehensive standardized process for VR and AR is required to prepare learners adequately. Moreover, current VR and AR technologies necessitate adaptation, 8 which must be part of the prebrief process.…”

“…One article highlighted learning or orientation by observing instructors or participants performing tasks or using the equipment in the prebrief 40. Current technology integrates headsets and hand controllers (eg, menus, air tapping, grip buttons, joysticks, front triggers), which require adaptation and acclimation 8. Moreover, depending on logistical details and expectations of the VR or AR simulation experience, learners may be required to set up play spaces to delineate boundaries8 and troubleshoot issues that involve comfort, battery status, and cleaning.…”

“…4 As this technology rapidly advances and becomes increasingly affordable and accessible, XR holds the potential to transform nursing education by offering a convenient, efficient, learner-centered, appealing way to learn. 4,8,9 Moreover, these technologies allow learners to manipulate computer-generated environments that mimic clinical experience to practice in a stressfree and safe environment. [4][5][6][8][9][10][11][12] Additional benefits of VR include improved knowledge acquisition 5,6,10,11 and performance.…”

“…4,8,9 Moreover, these technologies allow learners to manipulate computer-generated environments that mimic clinical experience to practice in a stressfree and safe environment. [4][5][6][8][9][10][11][12] Additional benefits of VR include improved knowledge acquisition 5,6,10,11 and performance. 6,13 In recent years, nursing education has experienced a dramatic increase in the use of XR.…”