Creation and application of a three dimensional scenario tool – Open the VALT (Visually Authentic Learning Tool)

Abstract

Open the VALT (Visually Authentic Learning Tool) is a three dimensional representation of a written scenario. It was created based on feedback from undergraduate midwifery students that revealed that they found scenario work boring and repetitive, and much preferred activities where they could ‘see it’. The Open the VALT is an innovative teaching tool that aims tomake the scenarios presented more than one dimensional. Making them accessible to all senses, particularly visual and tactical senses whilst promoting decision making processes and collaboration in the clinical management of the written scenario. A VALT was developed to teach clinical management of bleeding in pregnancy. The principles of simulation, real time based on real life, were used to reflect the authentic context for the application of knowledge, to be applied to real life from within the classroom. The VALTs used several different visually authentic clinical presentations for bleeding in pregnancy. Student feedback indicated recognition of visual authenticity and that the VALTs met different learning styles (James, D Amore & Thomas, 2011) e.g.: It gave us more information than just the written information It was very lifelike Fabulous! I’m a visual learner. Open the VALT has the potential to contribute to the development of knowledge by facilitating collaborative construction of knowledge, enhance student learning and engagement and by modelling real world practice. This presentation will discuss the creation, development and application of a Visually Authentic Learning Tool (VALTTM); impact on student learning and student feedback will be described. The flexibility and adaptability of this type of learning tool across other healthcare disciplines will also be discussed.