Virtual patients in a virtual world: Training paramedic students for practice

Abstract

Collaborative learning through case-based or problem-based learning (PBL) scenarios is an excellent way for students to acquire knowledge and develop decision-making skills. However, the process is threatened by the movement towards more self-directed learning and the migration of students from campus-based to workplace-based learning. Paper-based PBL cases can only proceed in a single direction which can prevent learners from exploring the impact of their decisions. The PREVIEW project, outlined in this article, trialled a replacement to traditional paper PBL with virtual patients (VPs) delivered through a virtual world platform. The idea was that an immersive 3D environment could provide (a) greater realism (b) active decision-making and (c) a suitable environment for collaboration amongst work-based learners meeting remotely. Five VP scenarios were designed for learners on a Paramedic Foundation Degree within the virtual world second life (SL). A player using the MedBiquitous VP international standard allowed cases to be played both within SL and on the web. Three testing days were run to evaluate the scenarios with paramedic students and tutors. Students unfamiliar with the SL environment worked through five PBL scenarios in small groups, shadowed by 'in-world' facilitators. Feedback indicated that the SL environment engages students effectively in learning, despite some technology barriers. Students believed SL could provide a more authentic learner environment than classroom-based PBL.

A DBR framework for designing mobile virtual reality learning environments

“…The use of VR for medical and critical care training has been established for over a decade (Hsu et al, 2013) as a means to simulate hazardous environments and provide students with problem based learning scenarios. VR in medical education ranges from dedicated simulation programs through to virtual environments in Second Life (Conradi et al, 2009). A comparative study by Cone, Serra, and Kurland (2011) indicated the efficacy of VR as a platform for paramedic student education.…”

Promotion of Self-directed Learning Using Virtual Patient Cases

“…[18][19][20] Virtual patients have been defined as computer programs that simulate lifelike clinical scenarios in which the learner becomes the health care professional making therapeutic decisions. 21 Virtual patients allow educators to assess student decisionmaking skills regarding course content in a safe, highfidelity environment, while allowing students to learn and err in private.…”

An evaluation of implementing problem-based learning scenarios in an immersive virtual world

“…This is because when using problem-based learning in virtual learning environments the discussion forums result in a linearity in learning which is unhelpful for team work. Using problem-based learning in SL student experience suggests both in this study and other related PREVIEW studies [3][4][5][6][7] , that students value in-world interactive collaboration.…”

“…Further related papers were published elsewhere. [3][4][5][6][7] It is argued here that the current lack of pedagogical underpinning has introduced a number of difficulties, little understanding about which kinds of pedagogies best work in virtual worlds and which do not and what the impact is of using these 3D spaces on student learning and student engagement. It is suggested here that these difficulties might be overcome by using approaches that readily combine pedagogy with technology, thereby shifting from the VLEs to IVWs.…”