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Article
Immersive Learning and Participatory Engagement: Connecting in the Online Classroom Through Virtual Reality
International Journal of Distance Education Technologies
  • Gesulla Cavanaugh, Nova Southeastern University
  • Helen M. Condry, Charleston Southern University
  • Clarissa Frances Afable, Nova Southeastern University
  • Melissa Morris, Nova Southeastern University
  • Santanu De, Nova Southeastern University
  • Holly Evans Madison, Nova Southeastern University
  • Jacqueline Marshall, Nova Southeastern University
  • Chitra Paul Victor, Nova Southeastern University
  • Marsha Weiner, Nova Southeastern University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2023
Keywords
  • Health Professions Student Learning and Engagement,
  • Immersive Learning,
  • Virtual Classroom
Disciplines
Abstract

Guided by constructivist theory, this study examines health professions student learning and engagement in the virtual classroom (VC) setting. Students (N=52) participated in a one-week VC prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. After participation, students were surveyed to discern their impressions of the experience, including the administration of a presence questionnaire, a key indicator of virtual environment (VE) efficacy. High student presence scores were significantly correlated with the perception that the VC facilitated learning (r = .573, p = .001). Conversely, students who perceived the course content as challenging were less likely to recommend the VC as a viable alternative learning platform. Furthermore, in terms of presence, undergraduate and graduate students were not significantly different. In summary, health professions students view immersive technologies favorably and may benefit from using such platforms as alternative or supplemental learning tools regardless of their academic level.

Comments

This research was supported by the NSU Health Profession Division Grant [grant number 334510].

Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
ORCID ID
0000-0002-9739-4039
ResearcherID
L-6078-2019
DOI
10.4018/IJDET.317364
Citation Information
Gesulla Cavanaugh, Helen M. Condry, Clarissa Frances Afable, Melissa Morris, et al.. "Immersive Learning and Participatory Engagement: Connecting in the Online Classroom Through Virtual Reality" International Journal of Distance Education Technologies Vol. 21 Iss. 1 (2023) p. 1 - 19 ISSN: 1539-3100
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/santanu-de/96/