Enhancing the student learning experience through interactive virtual reality simulation

Abstract

A virtual simulation workshop took place at the University of Hertfordshire (UH) in 2010 as part of a small project funded by the UH Learning and Teaching Institute. The project saw the development and implementation of an innovative virtual simulation package (virtual paramedic scene management software). The project was a joint venture combining teams from the School of Health and Emergency Professions (paramedic science) and the School of Computer Science (real-time 3D team). Learning from simulation is already well established at UH through the Hertfordshire Intensive Care and Emergency Simulation Centre (Alinier, 2007). Together with existing education and training for clinical skills and patient assessment and management, it was envisaged that introducing virtual e-learning might complement those approaches. This brief report serves to share our experience with those who may be considering using virtual reality scenarios as a teaching/learning approach in the future.