360 Degrees of Learning: Using Immersive Virtual Learning Technologies and Approaches

Concurrent Session 1 & 2 (combined)

Session Materials

Brief Abstract

Participants will see examples of how we used 360 technology, virtual reality, "choose your own pathway" software platforms, and our learning management system to create personalized experiences that immerse our students into authentic learning environments such as hospitals, educational settings, homes, and workspaces. This presentation will demonstrate the multiple ways we have implemented 360 technology to successfully engage students and achieve learning outcomes. We will demonstrate how we have overcome the obstacles presented in the areas of home safety evaluations, skills practice and demonstration, workplace ergonomics, and inpatient safety considerations using immersive learning approaches. Participants will be able to explore environments, select learning pathways, and experience the personalized learning media and feedback that is given to students.

Presenters

Lead Presenter: Emily Frank, University of St Augustine for Health Sciences

Dr. Emily Frank has a clinical background as an occupational therapist specializing in adult physical disabilities. She then transitioned to her role as occupational therapy faculty at The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) for three years prior to joining the USAHS Center for Innovative Clinical Practice (CICP) team as the Manager of Simulation Education and Innovation Initiatives. She currently assists in providing leadership and coordination for the integration of simulation approaches across the USAHS program curriculum, including interprofessional education initiatives. She works collaboratively with the CICIP team to develop educationally impactful simulation events using media-rich content that aligns with institutional, program, and course objectives.

Co-presenter: Erolle Dennis-Garner, University of St Augustine for Health Sciences

Erolle Dennis-Garner has been in healthcare simulation for 6 years. She is currently a clinical simulation specialist for University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Austin, Texas. Her experience includes working with various allied health professions and medical students and residents. She assists with developing low fidelity task trainers and 3D prints.

Co-presenter: Elisabeth McGee, University of St. Augustine (Virtual Presenter)

Dr. Elisabeth McGee began her career as a physical and occupational therapist. She joined USAHS in 2005 and is based on the Saint Augustine, FL campus. She currently serves as Director of Simulation Education and CICP Operations. She has her PhD in Educational Technology which has a strong focus in simulated learning, innovation, and digital learning. She has experience in simulation, educational technology, academia, and clinical practice. She has served on several university committees including the Innovation Steering Committee, Transformational Steering Committee, the Faculty Development Committee, and the Technology Steering Committee. She has participated in key educational technology initiatives that revolve around effective simulated learning environments, online learning platforms, educational technology pilot processes, 3D printing, robotics, and virtual reality.

Co-presenter: Mechelle Roy, University of St. Augustine (Virtual Presenter)

Mechelle Roy spent 8 years in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman and segued into simulation with the State University of NY in 2012. She is currently the Clinical Simulation Coordinator with the University of St. Augustine's Center for Innovative Clinical Practice in St. Augustine, Florida working toward her degree in Instructional Design. She is currently a certified Operations Specialist and Healthcare Simulation Educator.

Co-presenter: Mauricio Viana, University of St. Augustine (Virtual Presenter)

Mauricio Viana joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2019. He currently serves as the Clinical Simulation Specialist for the Center of Innovative Practices in the Miami Campus. He has a B.S. in biomedical engineering and is currently pursuing his M.S. in mechanical engineering.

Co-presenter: Derek Dudek, University of St Augustine for Health Sciences (Virtual Presenter)

Derek Dudek is originally from Michigan and brings a wide array of experience to USAHS from a journey that began in the US Army and continued through the corporate industrial world into show business and, later, health care and education. Derek has worked for productions including The Oprah Winfrey Show and Blue Man Group and was trained as a Paramedic with the Chicago Fire Department. Recent experience at UCSD School of Medicine and Strategic Operations, Inc. has honed his skill in Medical Simulation education.

Additional Authors

Maria Puzziferro, University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences

Dr. Maria Puzziferro’s experience as a transformational academic leader, researcher, and teacher spans more than 25 years at public and private institutions in roles related to the advancement of innovative teaching and learning approaches. She has served as a President, Provost, and Dean with extensive experience developing, launching, and operating online and blended programs.

Extended Abstract

 

The global pandemic has prompted many higher education institutions to embrace new technologies and approaches to virtual teaching. The USAHS Center for Innovative Clinical Practice (CICP) has shifted from facilitating campus-based learning to becoming invaluable in transferring immersive and interactive activities leveraging both existing and new technologies.

We used 360° technology, virtual reality, interactive "choose your own pathway" platforms, and our learning management system to create personalized experiences that immerse our students into authentic learning environments such as hospitals, educational settings, homes, and workspaces. This presentation will demonstrate the multiple ways we have implemented 360 technology to successfully engage students and achieve learning outcomes. We will demonstrate how we have overcome the obstacles presented in the areas of home safety evaluations, skills practice and demonstration, workplace ergonomics, and inpatient safety considerations using immersive learning approaches.

Participants will be able to explore environments, select learning pathways, and experience the personalized learning media and feedback that is given to students. Participants will see examples of how 360 technology has been utilized to immerse our students into diverse environments despite the challenges presented by social distancing precautions. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a virtual 360 experience to discover "hotspots", clues, and embedded media that guide their learning experience. Participants will "choose their own destiny" within a virtual simulation to better understand the personalized student experience. We will discuss the future of 360 technology, simulation gaming, virtual reality, and personalized learning pathways in hybrid and online programs as a method to enhance the learning experience.