JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Virtual reality simulation can provide a safe and controlled environment for students to practice and master skills that are transferable to real-world situations without putting patients, clients, or themselves at risk of any harm. Virtual reality simulation using 360° videos represents a novel approach to simulation in healthcare and social work education, and this inspired our interest in exploring students’ experiences with such a learning activity.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to explore occupational therapy, social education, nursing and social work students’ experiences with a virtual reality simulation as learning activity in an interdisciplinary subject.

Methods:

The study followed a qualitative design that used thematic analysis, as described by Braun and Clarke. The data were collected through six semi-structured focus-group interviews with 28 students.

Results:

The analysis revealed three overall themes for students’ experiences of the virtual reality simulation. The first theme, 360° videos provide observations for individual learning, illustrates how learning can take place through the students’ experiences of sensory inputs from the 360° videos. The second theme, 360° videos activate emotional learning, demonstrates how the students experienced emotional engagement when watching the 360° videos. The last theme, Debrief sessions enhance comprehensive learning, pinpoints how the students experienced learning through discussions after watching the 360° videos.

Conclusions:

Virtual reality simulation represents a promising learning activity for enhancing the professional learning of healthcare and social work students.