Using Virtual Simulation to Address Diverse Learning Needs

Purpose: As nursing faculty, we are responsible for providing innovative teaching and learning modalities in the classroom. Gone are the days of teacher-centered classrooms. Faculty can no longer stand in front of the classroom and lecture to students. The next generation of nursing students want to be engaged, to be active partners in their learning, and want immediate feedback. In addition, each student learns differently. The purpose of this polit study was to assess if using virtual simulation addresses individual students’ learning styles.

Methods: A pilot study was conducted with 36 undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students enrolled in an Adult Health I course in an urban setting. The students were given a brief overview of three different learning styles based on VAK (visual-prefer learning by using pictures and images, auditory-prefer learning by sound, music, and listening, and kinesthetic-prefer learning by hands-on) and then completed a brief questionnaire prior to completing the virtual Medical-Surgical simulation scenario. Upon completion of the scenario the students were given an eight-item questionnaire to complete based on the Kirkpatrick Model and were reassessed to see if their preferred learning styles was addressed by completing the virtual simulation scenario.

Results: Ninety-two percent of the students agreed/strongly agreed that the virtual simulation program scenario addressed their unique learning style. The students identified that the feedback allowed them to reflect on their performance and learn from their mistakes.

Conclusion: Using virtual simulation allows students to practice at their own pace and make mistakes in a safe environment while learning from their mistakes. The hope is that the students will have the knowledge and skills to care for real patients. “Tell me, and I will forget. Show me, and I may remember. Involve me, and will understand” (Confucius circa 450 BC). Based on the results of the pilot study, virtual simulation might be the answer to addressing diverse learning styles.