Exploring Virtual Worlds as a Platform for Education Marc R. Stephens, MAED Media Designer University of Michigan Medical School Chris Chapman Media Services Manager University of Michigan Medical School
May 18, 2015
Exploring Virtual Worlds as a Platform for Education
Marc R. Stephens, MAEDMedia Designer
University of Michigan Medical School
Chris ChapmanMedia Services Manager
University of Michigan Medical School
Why Virtual Reality for Education?
• Experiential Learning - Learn by doingConfucius said, “Tell me and I will forget.
Show me and I may remember. Involve me and I will understand.”
• Safe environment In VR simulation, potentially dangerous activities can be engaged in without fear of real harm.
& let’s face it… VR is fun! :)
The Elective Course
• 18 second-year medical students• Focus
– Exploring the technology– Application to education
• Topic for medical relevance– Mass-casualty triage
• Data gathering– Videotaped while interacting with systems– Interviewed on camera– Completed an impression survey
The Classroom• Medical School Histology Lab• Students used their own laptops• Built-in ethernet connections• Ceiling-mounted projector• Seats about 30 people
Course layout
• 3 two-hour sessions– Classroom
• Second Life Safari @ Wolverine Island• Virtual First Responder @ Play2Train
– Field Trip• Virtual First Responder @ The CAVE
Second Life Safari• First session• Intensive SL ‘bootcamp’ session
– Held on Wolverine Island– Equipment shakedown
– SL basic skills• Movement/navigation • Communication• Avatar customization• Inventory management
“Second Life Safari” this Friday as part of Enriching Scholarship
Virtual First Responder @ Play2Train
• Second session – Exploring use of SL in the context of
conducting mass casualty triage training
• Play2Train disaster simulator
• Triage activity– collaborative groups– evaluate casualty mannequins– Assign preliminary triage level
– Whole-class summary
Triage Mannequins
• ‘Sculpty’ object statues– bought commercially
• Edited for project– variety of postures – textured and colored– Click for diagnostic findings
Video InterludeVirtual First Responder @ Play2Train
Virtual First Responder @ The CAVE
• Third session • Field trip to U of M’s CAVE
– Introduction to the CAVE by facility director– Triage presentation by Dr. Wilkerson– CAVE triage experience
Video InterludeVirtual First Responder @ CAVE
Factors considered
• How should we introduce VR to this audience in a way that is relevant to them?
• Student knowledge level– Computer savvy– Medical training
• Medical relevance of content
• Hardware capabilities of student laptops– Laptop and network concerns
• Technical savvy of our own staff– SL Scripting and Building skills
Course Support Staff
Marc Stephens co-course designer, instructional design, course facilitator
Chris Chapman co-course designer, instructional design, and camerawork support
Roger Burns laptop/hardware/network support
Jason Engling in-world camerawork for Play2Train
Patricia Anderson Second Life liaison, in-world instructional assistant
Bill Wilkerson, MD triage presentation, consulting withcourse designers
Staff of the CAVE facility at Duderstadt Center
Staff of Play2Train in Second Life
Wish list for next time…
• Distance learners– use of SL’s voice capabilities
• More interface with Emergency Medicine faculty – More in depth medical relevance– Possible course integration
• More advanced training equipment– CPR dummies in the CAVE– Advanced triage mannequins in SL
Let’s Try it Now!
• Four computers around the seminar room
• First responder avatars• Triage activity at Play2Train• Handouts from student
session at each computer
Marc R. Stephens, MAEDMemetic Projects @ SL
734-763-0297
Chris ChapmanDetroit Congrejo @ SL
734-936-2903
Questions & Answers
Thanks for attending!