Immersive Virtual Reality Group Research Articles

Assessing Creativity and User Experience in Immersive Virtual Reality with Cultural Heritage Learning

Virtual reality (VR) technology is widely used in the field of education and cultural heritage learning. However, few studies have focused on the impact on creativity regarding the use of different interaction modalities by users in cultural heritage learning. Furthermore, it is controversial whether VR can enhance user experience and learning outcomes. The study utilized a mixed research approach combining qualitative and quantitative methods, where qualitative data was collected using open-ended interviews, simultaneously quantitative data was collected using learning outcomes, intrinsic motivation, workload, self-report of creativity and expert assessments of creativity. A mixed research approach combining qualitative and quantitative methods was used; creativity self-reports were used to collect qualitative data, and learning outcomes, intrinsic motivation, and workload data were collected for the quantitative findings.90 university students were randomly assigned to the text group (TG), the video group (VG), and the immersive virtual reality group (IVRG), with 30 students in each group. The study assessed whether creativity, user experience and learning outcomes differed when using different interaction modalities in a cultural heritage context. The results demonstrated that the text interaction modality outperformed the other two groups in learning outcomes and expert assessments of creativity performance, while the IVRG performed better in self-report of creativity and user experience. In addition, participants in TG had higher workloads and poorer user experiences compared to the other two interaction modalities. This study encourages that different interaction modalities should be selected more appropriately depending on the purpose. The study found that interaction modalities creativity can be applied to digital cultural heritage and education and informs interaction design for the HCI community.

From physical feelings to empathy: An immersive virtual reality approach to facilitate physical empathy

Studies have suggested that virtual reality (VR) as an ‘empathy-making machine’ has the potential to trigger historical empathy. Different VR technologies offer different levels of immersion with different educational implications. Higher immersive VR technology has shown promise in enhancing learners’ empathy levels. However, how highly immersive VR promotes learners’ historical empathy in real-life classroom settings has not been explored. Hence, this study focuses on comparing two levels of immersive VR-supported learning for historical empathy acquisition among secondary learners. A total of 49 students were recruited. A quasi-experimental design was employed and the quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed to explore participants’ historical knowledge and empathy. The quantitative data show no significant difference between immersive virtual reality (IVR) approach-supported learning and flatscreen VR-supported learning. However, the qualitative analysis suggests that the students from the IVR group showed stronger ‘physical empathy’. Intriguingly, even though the tests did not demonstrate that the students learned more in IVR-supported learning, they self-reported that they learned better in IVR-supported learning. The paper identifies implications for the connection between ‘physical empathy’ and the level of immersive technology.

Immersive virtual reality is more effective than non-immersive devices for developing real-world skills in people with intellectual disability.

People with intellectual disability (ID) demonstrate persistent challenges around developing life skills. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) is gaining interest as a tool for training life skills as it enables individuals to engage in hands-on learning in a safe, controlled and repeatable environment. However, there are concerns about the potential drawbacks of IVR, such as cybersickness and practical challenges with using the equipment, which may hinder its widespread adoption in educational settings. The current study aimed to compare the effectiveness of training in IVR and a non-immersive virtual environment for improving real-world skills in people with ID. In the present study,36 adults (16 female, 20 male) with ID were recruited from a disability organisation. Participants completed a real-world assessment of waste management skills before and after training in either the IVR or non-immersive group. Consistent with our hypotheses, the IVR group scored significantly higher in the real-world assessment after virtual training (d=1), and at the 1-week follow-up (d=1.12), compared with the non-immersive group. Further analyses showed that the IVR group, but not the non-immersive group, significantly improved performance in the real-world assessment across timepoints. The findings indicate that IVR was more effective for improving and retaining real-world waste management skills. This study supports IVR as a viable tool for professionals and caregivers to develop skills for independent living among people with ID.

How effective is immersive VR for vocational education? Analyzing knowledge gains and motivational effects

While Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) technology has been predominantly employed in technical and medical academic education, it also holds significant potential for Vocational Education and Training (VET). IVR's unique properties, such as high immersion could be especially beneficial in VET, where action-oriented skills, domain-specific knowledge, and their application in new work contexts are crucial. This study investigates the effectiveness of IVR in vocational education, focusing on (1) objective knowledge acquisition, (2) subjectively perceived knowledge acquisition, and (3) motivational effects in the domain of warehouse logistics. Through a randomized controlled trial with 72 vocational students, we compared IVR-based learning to traditional paper-based methods. Results show that IVR did not improve immediate declarative knowledge acquisition; in fact, the paper-pencil group outperformed the IVR group on an objective post-test. However, IVR significantly enhanced students' perceived knowledge gains. The study also confirms higher motivation and immersion in IVR settings compared to paper-based learning environments. The identified discrepancy between perceived and actual learning may help explain the unclear state of research regarding knowledge acquisition in IVR studies, based on the measures used. Moreover, the findings underscore the necessity for a nuanced approach to IVR implementation in VET education. While IVR can be recommended for enhancing short-term learner engagement, traditional methods or a blend of IVR and non-immersive techniques may be more effective for fostering declarative knowledge in the short term.

Randomized controlled trial of the CMR immersive virtual reality (IVR) headset training compared to e-learning for operating room configuration of the CMR versius robot

Robotic surgery offers potential advantages over laparoscopic procedures, but the training for configuring robotic systems in the operating room remains underexplored. This study seeks to validate immersive virtual reality (IVR) headset training for setting up the CMR Versius in the operating room. This single-blinded randomized control trial randomised medical students with no prior robotic experience using an online randomiser. The intervention group received IVR headset training, and the control group, e-learning modules. Assessors were blinded to participant group. Primary endpoint was overall score (OS): Likert-scale 1–5: 1 reflecting independent performance, with increasing verbal prompts to a maximum score of 5, requiring physical assistance to complete the task. Secondary endpoints included task scores, time, inter-rater reliability, and concordance with participant confidence scores. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Version 27. Of 23 participants analysed, 11 received IVR and 12 received e-learning. The median OS was lower in the IVR group than the e-learning group 53.5 vs 84.5 (p < 0.001). VR recipients performed tasks independently more frequently and required less physical assistance than e-learning participants (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in time to completion (p = 0.880). Self-assessed confidence scores and assessor scores differed for e-learning participants (p = 0.008), though not IVR participants (p = 0.607). IVR learning is more effective than e-learning for preparing robot-naïve individuals in operating room set-up of the CMR Versius. It offers a feasible, realistic, and accessible option in resource-limited settings and changing dynamics of operating theatre teams. Ongoing deliberate practice, however, is still necessary for achieving optimal performance. ISCRTN Number 10064213.

Field-based fitness measures improve via an immersive virtual reality exergaming platform: a randomized controlled trial

While there has been a recent onslaught of traditional lab-based fitness measures in immersive virtual reality (IVR) exergaming research, there remains a paucity in the field-based fitness domain, which refers to assessments made outside a formal laboratory setting which are easier, cheaper, and have more practical application. This study aimed to assess changes in field-based fitness tests including the 1-mile run, 20-m dash, multiple single-leg hop-stabilization test, Abalakov jump, and 5-10-5 Pro Agility test during a 1-month workout protocol and to compare differences between groups assigned to either an IVR machine-directed exergaming platform or a traditional, self-directed cable-resistance training control (SELF). Eighteen (7 females) college-aged participants with little resistance training experience were randomized to IVR or SELF and worked out thrice weekly for 4 weeks (12 sessions). Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were performed for continuous variables to assess significance. Compared to SELF, the IVR group had significantly better performance improvements in 20 m dash (−0.1s vs. 0.0s, p = 0.022), 5-10-5 Pro Agility Test (−0.1s vs. −0.0s, p = 0.003), Abalakov Jump (5.8 cm vs. 2.0 cm, p = 0.0013), 1-Mile Run (−11.0s vs. −2.0s, p = 0.008), and Multiple Single-Leg Hop-Stabilization Test with their dominant (−9.0s vs. 1.0s, p = 0.0015) and non-dominant (−8.0s vs. 1.0s, p = 0.003) legs. This training study demonstrates that IVR exergaming, more so than those that traditionally resistance train (SELF), can improve many field-based fitness components including agility, balance and stability, speed/acceleration, cardiovascular endurance, and lower-body power.

Education in Focused Assessment With Sonography for Trauma Using Immersive Virtual Reality: A Prospective, Interventional Cohort Study and Non-inferiority Analysis With a Historical Control

Focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) is a valuable ultrasound procedure in emergency settings, and there is a need for evidence-based education in FAST to ensure competencies. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) is a progressive training modality gaining traction in the field of ultrasound training. IVR holds several economic and practical advantages to the common instructor-led FAST courses using screen-based simulation (SBS). This prospective, interventional cohort study investigated whether training FAST using IVR unsupervised and out-of-hospital was non-inferior to a historical control group training at a 90 min SBS course in terms of developing FAST competencies in novices. Competencies were assessed in both groups using the same post-training simulation-based FAST test with validity evidence, and a non-inferiority margin of 2 points was chosen. A total of 27 medical students attended the IVR course, and 27 junior doctors attended the SBS course. The IVR group trained for a median time of 117 min and scored a mean 14.2 ± 2.0 points, compared with a mean 13.7 ± 2.5 points in the SBS group. As the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval at 13.6 was within the range of the non-inferiority margin (11.7-13.7 points), training FAST in IVR for a median of 117 min was found non-inferior to training at a 90 min SBS course. No significant correlation was found between time spent in IVR and test scores. Within the limitations of the use of a historical control group, the results suggest that IVR could be an alternative to SBS FAST training and suitable for unsupervised, out-of-hospital courses in basic FAST competencies.

Immersive virtual reality as support for the mental health of elderly women: a randomized controlled trial

Several forms of virtual reality (VR) have shown promise in treating mental disorders. However, there is a lack of research investigating the use of multicomponent immersive VR. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an immersive virtual reality (IVR) intervention that incorporated Japanese garden aesthetics, relaxation, and elements of Erickson’s psychotherapy in alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms among elderly women. Sixty women with depressive symptoms were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. Both groups received eight (twice a week for four weeks) low-intensity general fitness training sessions. The IVR group (n = 30) received eight additional VR-based relaxation sessions, whereas the control group (n = 30) received eight group relaxation. As outcome measures, the geriatric depression scale (GDS; primary) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS; secondary) were administered before and after the interventions. The protocol was registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov PRS database (Registration number: NCT05285501). Patients receiving IVR therapy exhibited a greater significant reduction in the GDS (adjusted mean post-difference of 4.10; 95% CI = 2.27–5.93) and HADS (2.95; 95% CI = 0.98–4.92) scores than those receiving the control intervention. In conclusion, IVR with elements of psychotherapy, relaxation, and garden aesthetics may alleviate the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms in elderly women.

Immersive Virtual Reality and Cadaveric Bone are Equally Effective in Skeletal Anatomy Education: A Randomized Crossover Noninferiority Trial

Immersive virtual reality (IVR) technology is transforming medical education. Our aim was to compare the effectiveness of IVR with cadaveric bone models in teaching skeletal anatomy. A randomized crossover noninferiority trial was conducted. Anatomy laboratory of a large medical school. Incoming first-year medical students. Participants were randomized to IVR or cadaveric groups studying upper limb skeletal anatomy, and then were crossed over to use the opposite tool, to study lower limb skeletal anatomy. Participants in both groups completed a pre-and postintervention knowledge test. The primary endpoint of the study was change in performance from the pre-to postintervention knowledge test. Surveys were completed to assess participant's impressions on IVR as an educational tool. Fifty first-year medical students met inclusion criteria and were randomized. Among all students, the average score on the preintervention knowledge test was 14.6% (standard deviation (SD) = 18.2%) and 25.0% (SD = 17%) for upper and lower limbs, respectively. Percentage increase in scores between pre-and postintervention knowledge test, was 15.0% in the upper limb IVR group, and 16.7% for upper limb cadaveric bones (p = 0.286). For the lower limb, score increase was 22.6% in the IVR and 22.5% in the cadaveric bone group (p = 0.936). 79% of participants found that IVR was most valuable for teaching 3-dimensional orientation, anatomical relationships, and key landmarks. Majority of participants were favorable towards combination use of traditional methods and IVR technology for learning skeletal anatomy (LSM>3). In this randomized controlled trial, there was no significant difference in knowledge after using IVR or cadaveric bones for skeletal anatomy education. These findings have further implications for medical schools that face challenges in acquiring human cadavers and cadaveric parts.

Effects of an Immersive Virtual Reality Intervention on Pain and Anxiety Among Pediatric Patients Undergoing Venipuncture

Venipuncture is one of the most painful and distressing procedures experienced by pediatric patients. Emerging evidence suggests that providing procedural information and distraction using immersive virtual reality (IVR) may reduce pain and anxiety among children undergoing needle-related procedures. To examine the effects of IVR on reducing the pain, anxiety, and stress experienced by pediatric patients undergoing venipuncture. This 2-group randomized clinical trial recruited pediatric patients aged 4 to 12 years undergoing venipuncture from a public hospital in Hong Kong between January 2019 and January 2020. Data were analyzed from March to May 2022. Participants were randomly allocated to an intervention (an age-appropriate IVR intervention offering distraction and procedural information) or a control (standard care only) group. The primary outcome was child-reported pain. Secondary outcomes included child-reported anxiety, heart rate, salivary cortisol, length of procedure, and satisfaction of health care professionals with the procedure (rated on a 40 point scale, with higher scores indicating greater satisfaction). Outcomes were assessed 10 minutes before, during, immediately after, and 30 minutes after the procedure. A total of 149 pediatric patients were recruited, with 86 female patients (57.7%) and 66 patients (44.3%) diagnosed with fever. Compared with the 74 participants in the control group (mean [SD] age, 7.21 [2.49] years), the 75 participants in the IVR group (mean [SD] age, 7.21 [2.43] years) reported significantly less pain (β = -0.78; 95% CI, -1.21 to -0.35; P < .001) and anxiety (β = -0.41; 95% CI, -0.76 to -0.05; P = .03) immediately after the intervention. Health care professional satisfaction in the IVR group (mean [SD] score, 34.5 [4.5]) was significantly higher than that in the control group (mean [SD] score, 32.9 [4.0]; P = .03). Moreover, the length of venipuncture procedure in the IVR group (mean [SD] duration, 4.43 [3.47] minutes) was significantly shorter than that in the control group (mean [SD] duration, 6.56 [7.39] minutes; P = .03). In this randomized clinical trial, integrating procedural information and distraction in an IVR intervention for pediatric patients undergoing venipuncture significantly improved pain and anxiety in the IVR group compared with the control group. The results shed light on the global trends of research on IVR and its clinical development as an intervention for other painful and stressful medical procedures. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry identifier: ChiCTR1800018817.

Application of Immersive Virtual-Reality-Based Puzzle Games in Elderly Patients with Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study.

The society is aging in China, and the cognitive level of elderly post-stroke patients gradually declines. Face-to-face cognitive functional training is no longer sufficient. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) is a promising rehabilitation training device. In this study, we developed an IVR-based puzzle game to explore its effectiveness, feasibility, and safety in elderly stroke patients with cognitive dysfunction. A total of 30 patients with mild post-stroke cognitive impairment after stroke were randomly assigned to a control or IVR group. Patients in both groups received routine rehabilitation therapy. Patients in the control group received traditional cognitive training, and those in the IVR group received IVR-based puzzle game therapy. Before and after treatment, Montreal cognitive assessment (MOCA), trail-making test-A (TMT-A), digit symbol substitution test (DSST), digital span test (DST), verbal fluency test (VFT), and modified Barthel index (MBI) were evaluated in both groups. In addition, the IVR group was administered a self-report questionnaire to obtain feedback on user experience. There was no significant difference in the baseline data between the two groups. After six weeks of treatment, the cognitive assessment scores were improved in both groups. Moreover, the IVR group showed more improvements than the control group in the DSST (Z = 2.203, p = 0.028 &lt; 0.05, η2 = 0.16); MOCA (T = 1.186, p = 0.246 &gt; 0.05, d = 0.44), TMT-A (T = 1.791, p = 0.084 &gt; 0.05, d = 0.65), MBI (T = 0.783, p = 0.44 &gt; 0.05, d = 0.28), FDST (Z = 0.78, p = 0.435 &gt; 0.05, η2 = 0.02), BDST (Z = 0.347, p = 0.728 &gt; 0.05, η2 = 0.004), and VFT(Z = 1.087, p = 0.277 &gt; 0.05, η2 = 0.039) did not significantly improve. The significant difference in DSST represents an improvement in executive function and visual-spatial cognitive characteristics. The other assessment scores did not show such features. Therefore, we did not observe significant differences through this measure. According to the results of the self-report questionnaire, most of the patients were satisfied with the equipment stability and training content. Several individuals reported mild adverse reactions. This pilot study suggests that IVR-based puzzle games are a promising approach to improve post-stroke cognitive function, especially executive cognitive function, and visual-spatial attention in older adults.

Effectiveness of immersive virtual reality training in nasogastric tube feeding education: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundGiven rapidly aging societies worldwide, improving the quality of long-term care through the cultivation of immense nursing assistants is critical. Accordingly, developing a satisfactory learning model to improve the learning outcomes of nursing assistant students is imperative. ObjectiveThis study tested the hypothesis that students in long-term care departments who underwent immersive virtual reality (IVR) training would have significantly (1) higher levels of knowledge about the skills of nasogastric tube feeding, (2) higher learning motivations (i.e., intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, task values, and self-efficacy), (3) lower cognitive load, and (4) higher satisfaction than a control group. DesignA randomized controlled trial with pretest and posttest design. Settings and participantsWe randomly assigned 107 students from the long-term care departments of two universities in central Taiwan to the IVR group (n = 54) or the control group (n = 53). MethodsThe IVR group learned the procedure of nasogastric tube feeding through IVR, whereas the control group watched a 15-min 2D video. The participants filled pretest and posttest questionnaires on nasogastric tube feeding knowledge. After the experiment was completed, the participants answered another questionnaire on their learning motivations, cognitive load, and learning satisfaction. ResultsThe nasogastric tube feeding knowledge improved significantly in the IVR and control groups after the intervention, with no significant between-group differences. The IVR group scored significantly higher than the control group on extrinsic goals, task value, and satisfaction; nevertheless, they also experienced a significantly higher cognitive load. ConclusionsBoth the IVR training and the traditional 2D video improved the learning outcomes of the nursing assistant students. The students were more satisfied with IVR than with the conventional learning model and indicated that IVR inspired their extrinsic learning motivations and perceived task value. However, IVR incurred a high cognitive load, which must be addressed in future course designs.

Supplemental Material for Do students learn better with immersive virtual reality videos than conventional videos? A comparison of media effects with middle school girls.

This article presents two studies comparing the effects of educational immersive virtual reality (IVR) versus traditional videos on conceptual knowledge and self-efficacy. Learning was measured through multiple-choice questions assessing conceptual knowledge and open-ended questions assessing knowledge understanding, knowledge application, and knowledge creation, based on Bloom’s taxonomy of learning objectives. In Experiment 1, 53 eighth-grade students from an all-girls school learned about humans’ impact on the ocean through either 360° videos, using a virtual reality (VR) headset, or through traditional videos, using a computer monitor. Measures were taken before and right after treatment. In Experiment 2, 139 sixth-to-eighth grade students from the same school used the same instructional material and equipment from Experiment 1, and measures were taken four times (before treatment, right after two treatment sessions, and 5 weeks after treatment). Also, we measured learning agency and investigated its mediation role between condition and self-efficacy. The groups did not differ on the multiple-choice scores assessing conceptual knowledge in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, participants in the IVR group scored higher for knowledge creation than participants in the desktop group, but not knowledge understanding or knowledge application. The IVR group scored higher on self-efficacy than the desktop group in Experiment 1, but not in Experiment 2. Finally, learning agency mediated the relationship between condition and self-efficacy in Experiment 2, indicating a possible mechanism underlying immersion effects on self-efficacy. Results are discussed in light of cognitive sciences and their implication for learning in immersive virtual reality.

Do students learn better with immersive virtual reality videos than conventional videos? A comparison of media effects with middle school girls.

This article presents two studies comparing the effects of educational immersive virtual reality (IVR) versus traditional videos on conceptual knowledge and self-efficacy. Learning was measured through multiple-choice questions assessing conceptual knowledge and open-ended questions assessing knowledge understanding, knowledge application, and knowledge creation, based on Bloom’s taxonomy of learning objectives. In Experiment 1, 53 eighth-grade students from an all-girls school learned about humans’ impact on the ocean through either 360° videos, using a virtual reality (VR) headset, or through traditional videos, using a computer monitor. Measures were taken before and right after treatment. In Experiment 2, 139 sixth-to-eighth grade students from the same school used the same instructional material and equipment from Experiment 1, and measures were taken four times (before treatment, right after two treatment sessions, and 5 weeks after treatment). Also, we measured learning agency and investigated its mediation role between condition and self-efficacy. The groups did not differ on the multiple-choice scores assessing conceptual knowledge in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, participants in the IVR group scored higher for knowledge creation than participants in the desktop group, but not knowledge understanding or knowledge application. The IVR group scored higher on self-efficacy than the desktop group in Experiment 1, but not in Experiment 2. Finally, learning agency mediated the relationship between condition and self-efficacy in Experiment 2, indicating a possible mechanism underlying immersion effects on self-efficacy. Results are discussed in light of cognitive sciences and their implication for learning in immersive virtual reality.

Assessing the Different Levels of Virtual Reality That Influence Anxiety, Behavior, and Oral Health Status in Preschool Children: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

BackgroundCompared with a traditional behavior management strategy and oral health training, virtual reality (VR) integrated with multisensory feedback possesses potential advantages in dentistry.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the impact of different levels of VR on anxiety, behavior, and oral health status.MethodsThis study was carried out in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences from December 2020 to June 2021. We randomly assigned 60 healthy children aged 4 years to 6 years to 4 groups, each consisting of 15 children. The study consisted of 2 consecutive sessions. During the first visit, the plaque index was calculated, and oral health education was carried out in all groups using Immersive VR (group I), Semi-immersive VR (group II), Nonimmersive VR (group III), and tell-show-do (TSD; group IV). In the second session, an amalgam restoration was performed in all groups. Participants’ anxiety and behavior were recorded using the face version of the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDAS[f]) and Frankl scale. The plaque index was recorded in 2 follow-up sessions.ResultsThe greatest prevalence of positive behavior (P=.004) and the lowest anxiety (P<.001) were recorded in group I, followed by group II, group III, and group IV. The plaque index scores showed a reduced trend between the first session and follow-up sessions (P<.001), but the values did not differ significantly between the 4 groups during the 3 sessions (P=.28, P=.54, P=.18).ConclusionsThe most positive behavior was observed in the Immersive VR group, followed by the Semi-immersive VR, Nonimmersive VR, and TSD groups. Moreover, oral health education using VR resources can improve oral health status in children.Trial RegistrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials 20210103049926N1; https://www.irct.ir/trial/53475

Teaching ultrasound-guided peripheral venous catheter placement through immersive virtual reality: An explorative pilot study.

Introduction:Immersive virtual reality (IVR)-based training is gaining ground as an educational tool in healthcare. When combined with well-established educational methods, IVR can potentially increase competency and autonomy in ultrasound (US)-guided peripheral venous cannulation.The aim of this study was to examine the impact of adding IVR training to a course in US-guided peripheral venous cannulation.Methods:Medical students (n = 19) from the University of Southern Denmark with no former standardized US education were recruited to voluntarily participate in a pilot study, designed as a randomized controlled trial. The primary outcome was the proportion of successful peripheral venous cannulations on a phantom. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of surface punctures on the phantom and procedure time. Participants received e-learning on the basic US before randomization to either IVR (n = 10) or no further training (n = 9). The additional IVR training comprised 10 virtual scenarios for US-guided peripheral venous catheter (PVC) placement. Students were subsequently evaluated in peripheral venous cannulation by a blinded assessor.Results:The proportion of successful peripheral venous cannulations was significantly higher in the IVR group (P ≤ .001). The proportions of successful cannulations were significantly higher in the IVR group compared to the control group for the 1st and 2nd PVC (P = .011, P = .023), but not for the 3rd PVC (P = .087). Similar results were found for the proportion of surface punctures (1st: P ≤ .001, 2nd: P = .001, and 3rd: P = .114). No significant differences in procedure times were found between the groups.Conclusion:This pilot study showed that adding an IVR-based training simulation to an existing e-learning curriculum significantly increased the learning efficacy of US-guided PVC placement for medical students.

Immersive virtual reality increases liking but not learning with a science simulation and generative learning strategies promote learning in immersive virtual reality.

We investigated the instructional effectiveness of using an interactive and immersive virtual reality (IVR) simulation versus a video for teaching scientific knowledge in 2 between-subjects experiments. In Experiment 1, 131 high school students (84 females) used a science simulation that involved forensic analysis of a collected DNA sample in a virtual laboratory environment rendered in IVR or as a video covering the same material. In Experiment 2, 165 high school students (111 females) replicated the experiment with approximately half of each group being asked to engage in the generative learning strategy of enactment after the lesson—that is, carrying out the learned procedures with concrete manipulatives. Across both experiments, the IVR groups reported significantly higher perceived enjoyment and presence than the video group. However, no significant differences were found between media for procedural knowledge in Experiment 1 and 2, or transfer in Experiment 2. Also, there was no difference in declarative knowledge across media in Experiment 1, and there was a media effect favoring video in Experiment 2 (ηp² = 0.028). Enactment lead to significantly better procedural knowledge (ηp² = 0.144) and transfer (ηp² = 0.088) in the IVR group but not in the video group. In conclusion, learning in IVR is not more effective than learning with video but incorporating generative learning strategies is specifically effective when learning through IVR. The results suggest that the value of IVR for learning science depends on how it is integrated into a classroom lesson. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)

ВИРТУАЛЬНАЯ РЕАЛЬНОСТЬ ИЛИ ВИДЕОКУРС: СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ РЕЗУЛЬТАТОВ САМООБУЧЕНИЯ СЕРДЕЧНО-ЛЕГОЧНОЙ РЕАНИМАЦИИ

Most of the existing virtual reality (VR) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) self-instruction training methods are based on low embodied and noninteractive 360-degree videos, and the effects of the highly immersive embodied VR CPR training system lack rigorous experimental verification. In our study, we compare the learning outcomes of self-instruction CPR training based on a highly immersive and interactive VR system (experimental group) with selfinstruction training based on 2D videos (control group) in terms of willingness to perform CPR, knowledge of CPR, self-efficacy and CPR test performances. We conducted a prepost betweengroup experiment in a local college in Yixin, Jiangsu Province, China. Sixty undergraduate students (30 male and 30 female) aged from 18 to 25 were randomly assigned to the video group or the VR group. There were no significant differences in demographic variables and baseline pretest between the two groups. Both groups received training on cardiac compressions and automated external defibrillator (AED) assisted CPR. Our results revealed that both the VR and video methods significantly improved the participants’ CPR knowledge, self-efficacy and willingness to perform CPR. Our results showed that the immersive VR group had a significant disadvantage in their grasp of compression depth compared with the non-immersive media group. The correct compression depth of the video group was significantly higher than the VR group, and there was no difference between the two groups in terms of compression speed and full rebound rate. Our study suggested that both self-instruction training based on VR and self-instruction training based on video were effective methods, and the highly immersive and embodied VR method did not achieve better results than the video method.

Effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Reality on Orthopedic Surgical Skills and Knowledge Acquisition Among Senior Surgical Residents

Video learning prior to surgery is common practice for trainees and surgeons, and immersive virtual reality (IVR) simulators are of increasing interest for surgical training. The training effectiveness of IVR compared with video training in complex skill acquisition should be studied. To evaluate whether IVR improves learning effectiveness for surgical trainees and to validate a VR rating scale through correlation to real-world performance. This block randomized, intervention-controlled clinical trial included senior (ie, postgraduate year 4 and 5) orthopedic surgery residents from multiple institutions in Canada during a single training course. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed. Data were collected from January 30 to February 1, 2020. An IVR training platform providing a case-based module for reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for advanced rotator cuff tear arthropathy. Participants were permitted to repeat the module indefinitely. The primary outcome measure was a validated performance metric for both the intervention and control groups (Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills [OSATS]). Secondary measures included transfer of training (ToT), transfer effectiveness ratio (TER), and cost-effectiveness (CER) ratios of IVR training compared with control. Additional secondary measures included IVR performance metrics measured on a novel rating scale compared with real-world performance. A total of 18 senior surgical residents participated; 9 (50%) were randomized to the IVR group and 9 (50%) to the control group. Participant demographic characteristics were not different for age (mean [SD] age: IVR group, 31.1 [2.8] years; control group, 31.0 [2.7] years), gender (IVR group, 8 [89%] men; control group, 6 [67%] men), surgical experience (mean [SD] experience with RSA: IVR group, 3.3 [0.9]; control group, 3.2 [0.4]), or prior simulator use (had experience: IVR group 6 [67%]; control group, 4 [44%]). The IVR group completed training 387% faster considering a single repetition (mean [SD] time for IVR group: 4.1 [2.5] minutes; mean [SD] time for control group: 16.1 [2.6] minutes; difference, 12.0 minutes; 95% CI, 8.8-14.0 minutes; P < .001). The IVR group had significantly better mean (SD) OSATS scores than the control group (15.9 [2.5] vs 9.4 [3.2]; difference, 6.9; 95% CI, 3.3-9.7; P < .001). The IVR group also demonstrated higher mean (SD) verbal questioning scores (4.1 [1.0] vs 2.2 [1.7]; difference, 1.9; 95% CI, 0.1-3.3; P = .03). The IVR score (ie, Precision Score) had a strong correlation to real-world OSATS scores (r = 0.74) and final implant position (r = 0.73). The ToT was 59.4%, based on the OSATS score. The TER was 0.79, and the system was 34 times more cost-effective than control, based on CER. In this study, surgical training with IVR demonstrated superior learning efficiency, knowledge, and skill transfer. The TER of 0.79 substituted for 47.4 minutes of operating room time when IVR was used for 60 minutes. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04404010.

Investigating the effect of teaching as a generative learning strategy when learning through desktop and immersive VR: A media and methods experiment

AbstractImmersive virtual reality (IVR) simulations for education have been found to increase affective outcomes compared to traditional media, but the effects on learning are mixed. As reflection has previously shown to enhance learning in traditional media, we investigated the efficacy of appropriate reflection exercises for IVR. In a 2 × 2 mixed‐methods experiment, 89 (61 female) undergraduate biochemistry students learned about the electron transport chain through desktop virtual reality (DVR) and IVR (media conditions). Approximately, half of each group engaged in a subsequent generative learning strategy (GLS) of teaching in pairs (method conditions). A significant interaction between media and methods illustrated that the GLS of teaching significantly improved transfer (d = 1.26), retention (d = 0.60) and self‐efficacy (d = 0.82) when learning through IVR, but not DVR. In the second part of the study, students switched media conditions and the experiment was repeated. This time, significant main effects favoring the IVR group on the outcomes of intrinsic motivation (d = 0.16), perceived enjoyment (d = 0.94) and presence (d = 1.29) were observed, indicating that students preferred IVR after having experienced both media conditions. The results support the view that methods enable media that affect learning and that the GLS of teaching is specifically relevant for IVR. Practitioner NotesWhat is already known about this topic Previous research has found a media effect with Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) in education leading to better motivational outcomes compared to less immersive media, but effects on learning outcomes are mixed. There is evidence that Generative Learning Strategies (GLSs) such as summarizing and enacting can increase learning in IVR. There is also evidence that some instructional methods, such as pretraining, may be beneficial for learning in IVR. What this paper adds Evidence that the GLS of teaching improves self‐efficacy, retention and transfer in educational IVR. An interaction effect between media (DVR/IVR) and method (GLS/no‐GLS) on self‐efficacy, retention and transfer supporting the theoretical view that method enables media. No difference in perceived enjoyment, motivation and presence for students who were new to learning through these media (DVR/IVR), but differences became significant when students learned through the other media first with students preferring IVR. Implications for practice and/or policy Since IVR learning experiences can be highly engaging and also cognitively demanding, it is beneficial to introduce reflection exercises after an IVR learning experience to ensure that students reflect over the material and integrate it with their long‐term memory. One effective solution is to engage students in the GLS of teaching after an IVR simulation, thereby prompting them to select relevant information, organize it into a coherent structure and elaborate on it by incorporating it with their existing knowledge.