Teaching Nursing Students in a Multi-User Virtual Environment (MUVE): A Pilot Study - Abstract
Multi-user virtual environments (MUVE), considered by some to be the ‘next wave’ of educational technology, have been effectively used across a wide range of learners and subjects. A meta analysis published in 2012 reviewed 107 articles, including 52 empirical MUVE learning research studies, summarizing its benefits and advantages over traditional teaching methods. Of the 52 research studies, only one focused on health care education [1]. This exploratory, mixed method pilot study was undertaken to evaluate learning activity and course outcomes for nursing students using MUVE learning. Ninety percent of students reported that learning objectives were met using
MUVE learning activities, and 80% reported that course objectives were met as well if not better in MUVE learning activities as compared with traditional learning activities. Instructor evaluation validated the student assessments.
Qualitative themes in student evaluations included "positive learning outcomes and processes",
"Learning in virtual reality", and "technology obstacles".