Students' expectations of the learning process in virtual reality and simulation-based learning environments

Abstract

Expectations for simulations in healthcare education are high; however, little is known about healthcare students' expectations of the learning process in virtual reality (VR) and simulation-based learning environments (SBLEs). This research aims to describe first-year healthcare students' (N=97) expectations regarding teaching, studying, and learning in such environments. In addition, it measures students' expectations of instructors, their academic self-perception, and atmosphere, as well as whether there are differences between the expectations of adult and young students. Data was collected through a questionnaire from two different universities of applied sciences in Finland in spring 2009, and analysed using statistical and qualitative methods. Overall, students have quite high expectations of the activities that take place in VR and SBLEs. Adult learners in particular seem to have high expectations compared to younger students.