The Undergraduate Nursing Students Experience with Multi-User Virtual Environments

Abstract

Multi-User Virtual Environments, (MUVEs) are online environments that provide a virtual space for learning opportunities involving multiple, simultaneous participants. Participants move within the virtual environment in avatar form, exploring and communicating with other participants in their avatar form. A MUVE learning activity makes it possible for any student with a computer and Internet connection to participate in MUVE activities. The use of MUVEs in undergraduate nursing education is in its infancy. MUVE education has proven effective in other disciplines such as language arts, information technologies and teacher education. This mixed methodology study aimed to investigate the phenomena of student nurse learning that occurs in MUVE learning. This study will explore utility issues, adaptability to technology, ability to collaborate, and the perceived experience of undergraduate nursing students who have experienced MUVE learning activities. Engrossment in learning will be compared between MUVE and traditional learning activities. Participants included University of Hawai'i undergraduate nursing students in the 4th ‐6th semesters of the nursing curriculum. Male and female students of a wide range of age and ethnicity will anonymously complete a survey that targets both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data will be analyzed using analysis of themes.