How Virtual Environment Effect Nursing Learning
What Is Virtual Learning Environment
A virtual learning environment (VLE) is an interconnected set of tools and resources used to manage, deliver and evaluate online learning. An example of a VLE is Second Life (SL). SL is a three-dimensional virtual application that is fully interactive and imitates the real world. Individuals are graphically represented in SL using avatars, which allow them to interact with the environment and other avatars (people). Like VLE, SL is an engaging and collaborative learning experience.
Use of Virtual Environment in Nursing Education
Nursing educators and administrators note that SL. It is an effective learning space for nursing education. This graphically robust virtual world can appeal to different learning styles while providing a variety of learning experiences. SL can be used to deliver passive learning methods such as lectures, posters or exhibitions. However, an advantage of teaching in virtual environments is that students can be offered engaging learning strategies. Social interactivity in SL creates a sense of presence that improves learning outcomes through the following learning activities: immersion, collaboration, construction, and communication.
SL offers students many opportunities to immerse themselves in the virtual environment and try out professional roles in a safe and supportive environment. Students participate in scenarios, simulations, and games to learn concepts and develop their future roles. For example, a scenario in which students role-play with other avatars in a culturally diverse virtual work environment can provide a safe space to simulate real-world challenges. Using programmed clinical simulations, students can also learn to prioritize actions to take while practicing procedures such as administering medications and blood, and practice the critical thinking necessary to provide professional care.
Students can collaborate, practice critical thinking, and solve problems together in virtual meetings, explorations, scavenger hunts, and construction projects. Virtual hospitals, clinics, and universities serve as clinical sites where students can complete a clinical case study and plan care based on research results.
SL offers geographical spaces and opportunities to develop projects related to learning outcomes. For example, students can build and configure equipment and supplies for virtual hospitals and clinics, universities, and even entire communities. You can also write business plans; develop curricular plans; and apply evidence to real-world clinical, educational, and administrative problems.
In SL, students can practice inter-professional communication skills in addition to interacting with patient avatars during clinical encounters, counseling sessions, or support groups. SL's virtual space can be used by organizations to provide continuing education sessions and professional meetings that do not require travel, thereby reaching professionals in rural, under served areas, or other remote locations.
Impact of Virtual Environment In Nursing Education
New generations of university students are accustomed to technological teaching methods, authentic tasks, games, simulations and interaction with other students. Therefore, they are open to exploring and learning in virtual environments (Veltman, Connor, Honey, Diener, & Bodily, 2012). The advantage of teaching and learning in SL is that students build on previous learning in a socially interactive environment for deeper learning. Realistic physical spaces such as hospitals or clinics can be designed where students can practice clinical skills. Students and teachers all over the world have access to these spaces (Veltman et al., 2012).
In terms of student engagement, working with avatar-based case studies is well received by students (Anderson, Page, & Wendorf, 2013; Foronda, Liu, & Bauman, 2013).Research on the use of virtual environments helps students achieve learning outcomes, improves student satisfaction and confidence, promotes collaboration and communication, and helps students acquire clinical competencies (Aebersold, Tschannen, Stephens, Anderson, & Xuefeng, 2012; Anderson et al ., 2013; Foronda et al., 2013; Miller and Jensen, 2014). SL is an effective environment for learning to work with culturally diverse patients (Games and Bauman, 2011).
Additionally, participating in simulations in a VLE promotes communication skills and professional behavior (Veltman et al., 2012) as well as interviewing skills (Sweigart & Hodson Carlton, 2013). SL is a student-centered methodology in which power is shared between teachers and students, content forms the basis for skill development, teachers facilitate learning, student autonomy is encouraged, and learning assessment is multifactorial with the aim of improving learning (Foronda et al., 2013). ; Miller and Jensen, 2014).
Students enjoy defining their own characteristics in SL by transforming their avatars into representatives of their own racial ethnic identities (Lee and Park, 2011). Although student satisfaction with learning in SL is high (Anderson et al., 2013; Bai, Lavin, & Duncan, 2012), further research is needed on how learning in VLES affects learning outcomes (Foronda et al. , 2013; Miller & Jensen). , 2014).
Use of Virtual Environment
Faculty members must first decide why they want to use SL and how it can be used to meet learning needs. Teachers also have to deal with the virtual environment. Anyone can access a public island in SL, so it is recommended to purchase an island that allows safe access. Historically, the cost of purchasing islands for educational institutions has been less than for individuals. If the organization does not have sufficient staff, consultants are available to plan and construct physical environments on the organization's islands, as well as to develop scenarios and simulations.
Employees working in SL require training and practice time, so it is important to establish an appropriate schedule. Support is also required for technical problems.Guidelines for appropriate student attire and behavior while studying are similar to comparable guidelines in real-world settings. However, keep in mind that students will likely want to change their avatars based on race and culture. Students need guidance and training to learn the motor skills taught in SL.
It is necessary to practice walking, running, flying, opening doors and other activities in SL. Providing Second Life URLs (SLURLS) is useful for helping students find where to go in SL to participate in educational activities.Integrating SL into courses and curricula begins with learning to use VLES and exploring SL to make informed decisions about how to integrate SL into the curriculum. It is important to examine the literature to find out the advantages and disadvantages of SL in order to exploit the advantages and minimize the disadvantages.
Multiple uses of SL should be explored to determine the best approach for learners to achieve the outcomes of the learning episode. With an emphasis on student-centered educational activities, SL can be a rich resource that provides opportunities to learn beyond the real world in a safe environment.
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