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.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
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: studentsidentify 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."
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.
