Virtual patients in a virtual world: Training paramedic students for practice

Abstract

Collaborative learning through case-based or problem-based learning (PBL) scenarios is an excellent way for students to acquire knowledge and develop decision-making skills. However, the process is threatened by the movement towards more self-directed learning and the migration of students from campus-based to workplace-based learning.

Paper-based PBL cases can only proceed in a single direction which can prevent learners from exploring the impact of their decisions. The PREVIEW project, outlined in this article, trialled a replacement to traditional paper PBL with virtual patients (VPs) delivered through a virtual world platform. The idea was that an immersive 3D environment could provide (a) greater realism (b) active decision-making and (c) a suitable environment for collaboration amongst work-based learners meeting remotely.

Five VP scenarios were designed for learners on a Paramedic Foundation Degree within the virtual world second life (SL). A player using the MedBiquitous VP international standard allowed cases to be played both within SL and on the web.

Three testing days were run to evaluate the scenarios with paramedic students and tutors. Students unfamiliar with the SL environment worked through five PBL scenarios in small groups, shadowed by ‘in-world’ facilitators. Feedback indicated that the SL environment engages students effectively in learning, despite some technology barriers. Students believed SL could provide a more authentic learner environment than classroom-based PBL.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Emily Conradi

EMILY CONRADI is the Manager for e-Learning Innovation at SGUL and Project Manager for PREVIEW.

Sheetal Kavia

SHEETAL KAVIA is the e-Projects technologist within the e-Learning Unit. All the projects she is involved with focus on virtual patients.

David Burden

DAVID BURDEN is the Managing Director of Daden Limited – a virtual worlds and virtual character consultancy. David has been involved in virtual worlds since 1996 and in SL since 2004.

Alan Rice

ALAN RICE is a Senior Lecturer in Paramedic Science and a qualified Paramedic. In addition to teaching on the Foundation Degree he also works clinically for the London Ambulance Service.

Luke Woodham

LUKE WOODHAM is a Technical Developer on the PREVIEW project, working on implementing the virtual patient player in the SL environment.

Chris Beaumont

CHRIS BEAUMONT is Associate Director and Learning and Teaching Fellow at Edge Hill University. His current research focuses on assessment feedback, and the use of intelligent agents to provide guidance and feedback to students in PBL scenarios.

Maggi Savin-Baden

MAGGI SAVIN-BADEN is Professor of Higher Education Research and Coventry University, and Director of the Learning Innovation Research Group with six published books to date on problem-based learning.

Terry Poulton

TERRY POULTON is Associate Dean for e-Learning in the Department of Medical Education and Head of the e-Learning Unit.