Enhancing the student learning experience through interactive virtual reality simulation

A virtual simulation workshop took place at the University of Hertfordshire (UH) in
2010 as part of a small project funded by the UH Learning and Teaching Institute.
The project saw the development and implementation of an innovative virtual
simulation package (virtual paramedic scene management software). The project
was a joint venture combining teams from the School of Health and Emergency
Professions (paramedic science) and the School of Computer Science (real-time
3D team). Learning from simulation is already well established at UH through the
Hertfordshire Intensive Care and Emergency Simulation Centre (Alinier, 2007).
Together with existing education and training for clinical skills and patient
assessment and management, it was envisaged that introducing virtual e-learning
might complement those approaches. This brief report serves to share our
experience with those who may be considering using virtual reality scenarios as a
teaching/learning approach in the future.