ERIC Number: EJ1122157
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1049-4820
EISSN: N/A
The Benefits and Barriers of Using Virtual Worlds to Engage Healthcare Professionals on Distance Learning Programmes
Hack, Catherine Jane
Interactive Learning Environments, v24 n8 p1836-1849 2016
Using the delivery of a large postgraduate distance learning module in bioethics to health professionals as an illustrative example, the type of learning activity that could be enhanced through delivery in an immersive virtual world (IVW) was explored. Several activities were repurposed from the "traditional" virtual learning environment into the IVW, providing insight into the pedagogical affordances of each environment. Voluntary classes, which were held each week over the 12-week module, were designed to provide deeper understanding of ethical theory and how it informs professional healthcare practice. Virtual classes included problem-based learning, flipped lectures, and role play. Following the introduction of the virtual classes, the module failure rate was less than 5%, compared with ~11% in the previous two cohorts. However, the introduction of any new technology presents challenges to both staff and students; therefore, the barriers to using virtual worlds are also explored.
Descriptors: Educational Technology, Technology Uses in Education, Graduate Study, Distance Education, Ethics, Allied Health Personnel, Learning Activities, Simulated Environment, Computer Simulation, Problem Based Learning, Video Technology, Homework, Role Playing, Foreign Countries, Questionnaires, Student Attitudes, Attendance Patterns, Grading, Program Effectiveness
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom; Ireland
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A