The Implications of Virtual Learning & Gamification on Post-Secondary Learners

Amineh Olad B.Ed., M.A., OCT.

Learning Technologies Facilitator & Julie Rivers B.ScN., R.N., M.A Ed.

Professor of Nursing

What is a VLE? 3D Virtual Learning Platform -Experiences are Self-guided and Multi-user based -Major end user simplification = higher adoption and use rates Generates Revenue for the College -Fee Structure: Royalty or per user based structure + annual guarantee where applicable -Options for Hosting: Can be hosted by infiniteSpaces

Combining video game-based learning tools with an Academic Curriculum

Innovative Instructional Strategy -Aligned with Loyalist Strategic Mandate Agreement -Revitalize programming by sparking student curiosity -Invite learners into a problem-focused space, where they can utilize information from lectures and readings to practice routine skills, develop mastery level understanding, and more flexible ways of understanding course content -Design experiences around what students might be thinking and doing within their respective fields, carefully graduating complexity for a holistic experience

Border: Multi-user platform where you can simulate a Canadian customs agent and traveler interaction

Combining video game-based learning tools with an Academic Curriculum cont. Remove Motivational Barriers Remote Access Configuration: VLE’s can be accessed from any computer with internet access Cost Effective: Unity 3D Player, HTML iFrame, Flash, ActionScript, SQL, HTML 5, and C#. We have synchronized this with other eLearning software (Articulate) Increase Student Engagement: Place students as active participants in high-risk, low-incidence simulated events

Nurse Safety: students identify and document hazards in patient rooms based on predetermined Content, Droplet, and Airborne Precautions

Virtual Learning Environments at Loyalist

Campus Landing Page: Only students enrolled in courses that use the VLE will have access to a specific environment. All students have access to Campus from the College’s Portal Page.

The Development Process

Envisioning Stage Determine what will be built based on program needs, facilitate faculty buy-in, search for funding opportunities (Productivity and Innovation Fund, SIM-one Research & Development Grant ), establish a budget, facilitate student buy-in, and gather data (to get more funding!!). Determine Team Values and Norms Subject Matter Expert(s) Learning Technologies infiniteSpaces Lead Artist & Designer

2D and 3D Artist

Lead Programmer Web Developer Managing Director of iS IT Project Manager

Baccalaureate nursing program students completing COPD scenario in simulation lab

The Development Process cont.

Speculation Stage Plan and hold meetings between all team members -Clarify subject-matter content that has been given, perform needs assessment, establish rudimentary creative layout for game flow Develop a delivery plan and establish requirements for Sprints -Create a game-based simulation document that is reviewed by subject matter experts before being given to design team -Team members meet to prioritize items for the Sprint (2 week duration) -Readjust priorities and mitigate potential risks -Periodically demo scenarios

Clinical Nursing: Upon entering the ward, the student selects which scenario they want to practice

Case Study: Clinical Nursing

Why we are exploring VLE’s for Nursing Student placements in hospital environments are becoming increasingly difficult to secure. As a result, these experiences are being supplemented, and at times, replaced by manikin simulation-based learning activities that are very resource intensive. Medical-based games that currently exist do not always align with best practice guidelines and course/program learning objectives. Building games from simulation design templates permits a very focused and direct link to course learning outcomes and best practice guidelines.

Acute Stroke: Patient is performing task from a neurologic system assessment

Case Study: Clinical Nursing cont.

Scenarios: Cardio Pulmonary Obstructive Disease (featured above), Acute Stroke, Paediatric Pneumonia, Cardiac Dysfunction, and Hypoglycemia eDocumentation: Students are

required to fill out eDocs, SBAR, sign/date MAR, and complete a Quiz

Clinical Nursing Cont.

Images of the Tools and Medication Wheel Menus. After selecting a piece of equipment to use, the player may be able to choose additional equipment attachments needed for patient treatment. For example, after selecting the Venturi mask, the player must identify the appropriate adaptor that attaches to the mask to ensure the correct amount of oxygen will be delivered.

Project Outcomes for Nursing VLE’s

1. Remove motivational barriers and reinforce clear expectations about students’ responsibilities for clinical and simulation preparation

2. Develop, evolve, and practice clinical judgment skills

3. Successfully interpret a patient’s symptoms and test results in order to prioritize/conduct appropriate interventions

4. Summarize and record data into correct documentation fields for: vital, respiratory, neurological, blood glucose, and pain assessments

Campus Clinical: 4 scenarios based on respiratory, cardiovascular, thermoregulation, and hypoglycemia neonatal assessments

What are Students are Saying…

EcoWalk: 93% of students said that they enjoy[ed] using the EcoWalk Virtual Learning Experience 92% of students said that they would you like to see more Virtual Learning Experiences in other courses 84% of students said that they would you use EcoWalk as a self-study tool 70% of students agreed that having access to EcoWalk has helped [them] to better learn this material 71% of students agreed that the EcoWalk has increased [their] level of engagement with this unit of study

Campus Clinical: 75% of students said they were comfortable using the technology 80% of students said that Campus Clinical adequately reflected the routine care of a newborn "I found it much more comfortable to be able to do the assessments without fear of being watched, and without fear of missing something in a real newborn assessment. This covered a lot of areas and definitely helped strengthen my newborn/ postpartum assessment skills."

Clinical Nursing: Cardiac dysfunction scenario

QUESTIONS?!

EcoWalk: First year Biology students observe and classify samples from the Fungi Kingdom. Aims to help improve observation of structure which leads to the classification of an organism

Traffic: Multi-user scenario that reproduces a motor vehicle accident.

Contact Information

Amineh Olad aolad@loyalistc.on.ca 613-969-1913 x 2835

Julie Rivers jrivers@loyalistc.on.ca

613-969-1913 x 2390