On May 15-16th Utenos Kolegija’s Faculty of Medicine in Utena hosted a groundbreaking event, the Digital Technology for Nursing Education & Training (DTNET) Workshop for Teachers. This two-day workshop aimed to introduce educators to the potential of virtual reality (VR) technology in enhancing the learning experience for nursing students. Organized as part of the DTNET project, which is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, the workshop showcased the capabilities of the DTNET VR app and provided hands-on training to empower teachers in incorporating VR into their curriculum.
Exploring the World of DTNET and VR
The workshop commenced with an engaging introduction to the DTNET project, highlighting its vision of revolutionizing nursing education through the integration of VR technology. Educators gained insights into the latest advancements in VR technology and its relevance to healthcare education. The sessions also focused on understanding the hardware and mechanics involved in using VR headsets, providing participants with a comprehensive overview.
To provide a firsthand experience, the attendees actively participated in VR trials, immersing themselves in realistic scenarios designed to simulate various nursing situations. The DTNET VR app was demonstrated, showcasing its potential to enhance the learning process. Furthermore, a lively discussion was held on the pros and cons of incorporating VR into nursing education, allowing educators to share their insights and concerns.
Empowering Educators for VR Integration
Building on the foundation laid on the first day, the second day of the workshop delved deeper into the didactic concept of VR implementation. The concept of Cognitive Apprenticeship was introduced, emphasizing the importance of guided learning experiences in VR environments. Participants gained a practical understanding of the four-step process for implementing VR in their teaching practice, focusing on preparation, scenario development, learning process, and evaluation.
Expert trainers provided valuable tips and guidelines for designing effective VR scenarios that align with specific learning objectives. Educators explored the potential of VR simulations to engage students and enhance their understanding of complex nursing concepts. The workshop also emphasized the significance of evaluation and feedback in refining VR-based teaching approaches.
Integration into Curriculum and Future Perspectives
The workshop shed light on the integration of VR simulations and teaching materials into the nursing curricula of partner universities. The participants actively discussed potential strategies for seamlessly incorporating VR technology into existing courses, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness in preparing future nurses. The concept of empirical studies was introduced, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practice in measuring the impact of VR in nursing education.
Throughout the workshop, a vibrant question-and-answer session provided a platform for educators to seek clarifications and exchange ideas. Repeated hands-on training and VR trials allowed participants to gain confidence and familiarity with the technology, ensuring they were well-equipped to bring this transformative tool to their classrooms.
The DTNET Workshop for Teachers at Utenos Kolegija marked a significant milestone in advancing nursing education through VR technology. By empowering educators with the necessary knowledge and skills, the workshop laid the foundation for integrating VR into nursing curricula across participating institutions. The DTNET project, with its vision for sustainable VR implementation and open access resources, is set to revolutionize the way nursing education is delivered, preparing students with the digital competencies required in the evolving healthcare landscape.
We extend our immense gratitude to our colleagues from the Baltic countries, the University of Applied Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology (UMIT Tirol) in Austria, Umeå University in Sweden, Weingarten University of Education in Germany, and P.Stradins Medical College of the University of Latvia for their invaluable contributions to the project’s concept, curriculum development, and VR application design
For more information about the DTNET project and its initiatives, visit https://www.facebook.com/XRMEDU