Virtual reality learning: A randomized controlled trial assessing medical student knowledge of fetal development

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that offers an immersive experience to promote discovery and exploration of personal knowledge and an opportunity to learn by doing, develop creativity, and increase understanding of less accessible concepts. 1 VR technologies can be characterized as a collection of hardware such as personal computers, head-mounted displays (HMDs), and tracking sensors,

The virtual reality classroom: a randomized control trial of medical student knowledge of postpartum hemorrhage emergency management

“…A limitation of the current study is the small sample size, which may have led us to be under-powered to discover differences in knowledge acquisition. Additionally, as in previous studies ( 12 , 13 , 15 ), side-effects due to cybersickness are acknowledged as a limitation to the use of VR technology. However, with advancement of VR technology, and repeated exposure to the technology, side effects are expected to decrease ( 22 ).…”

“…Medical students find immersive technology, such as VR, very enjoyable to use and adds to their overall learning experience ( 12 , 13 , 18 ). Previous research has demonstrated that students who are motivated and engaged by novel learning methods are more likely to retain knowledge, and may have improved learning outcomes ( 19 ).…”

“…Similar to previous successful studies conducted at the UCD Perinatal Research Centre, medical students were invited to take part in the study via class announcements on the university’s e-learning platform ( 12 , 13 ), and announcements made during clinical placement. The announcements gave a brief overview of the study, without giving specific details of the content to be covered.…”

Unleashing the Tactile Dimension: Exploring VR Technologies for Authentic Calligraphy Training

“…The immersive simulations reduced learning curves and offered safe alternatives to hazardous real-world practice. However, for some domains like acquiring textbook knowledge on fetal development, VR environments did not confer significant gains in test scores compared to traditional teaching methods, though they did improve student engagement and confidence(Ryan et al, 2023).…”