Mixed Reality Technology Influences Motivation for Learning in Medical Students

Abstract

Introduction: Motivation plays an important role in the learning process and strongly influences learning outcomes. However, it remains unclear how the use of technologies like mixed reality (MR) affect student motivation for learning. Our study aims to assess differences in student motivation for learning using MR technology in comparison to large group, didactic learning.Methods: First-year medical students (n = 18) were given a survey to measure three components of motivation: attention, relevance, and confidence. The survey was given after classroom learning on cardiovascular anatomy and physiology was completed, and again after completing a learning activity on the same topic using MR technology.Results: The analysis showed overall student motivation to learn in the classroom and from the MR activity were similar (p > 0.05). However, the specific motivating factors differed between the two instructional methods. Students were motivated to learn using the MR activity because it better held their attention (p < 0.05). In contrast, classroom instruction motivated students to learn primarily because students viewed it as more worthwhile and useful (p < 0.05). There was no difference in student confidence as a motivating factor to learn.Conclusions: These findings suggest MR instructional activities may be designed to motivate student learning by holding their attention because of the variety of interactive learning options it is capable of presenting. However, instructional activities using MR technology may not be perceived by students as being as worthwhile and useful as formal classroom instruction.