The University of New Brunswick's nursing faculty in Canada has incorporated virtual reality into the Learn Where You Live Program to address rural healthcare needs.
The program offers practical nurses a pathway to become Registered Nurses through remote education within their local communities.
Learners complete online courses and practical experiences through local partnerships, aiming to enhance healthcare support in rural areas.
Virtual reality simulations are integrated into every course of the program, providing practical learning experiences for nursing students.
Orientation sessions are crucial for students and faculty to familiarize themselves with VR technology before immersion in simulations.
Faculty aims for learners to engage fully in VR simulations to build clinical judgment and enhance learning experiences.
Use of VR in the program helps students identify knowledge gaps and receive immediate, targeted feedback to improve their skills.
Faculty involvement in VR training sessions has led to positive feedback and increased interest in incorporating VR into teaching practices.
The faculty plans to expand VR integration across their programs to support both remote and in-person learners.
Further research and enhancements are underway for the upcoming cohorts, with the incorporation of new tools like OMS Create to customize scenarios.
Overall, the success of using virtual reality in the Learn Where You Live Program has paved the way for enhanced student learning experiences and faculty engagement.