St. George's University of London, UK.
Med Teach. 2009 Aug;31(8):713-20. doi: 10.1080/01421590903134160.
Collaborative learning through case-based or problem-based learning (PBL) scenarios is an excellent way for students to acquire knowledge and develop decision-making skills. However, the process is threatened by the movement towards more self-directed learning and the migration of students from campus-based to workplace-based learning. Paper-based PBL cases can only proceed in a single direction which can prevent learners from exploring the impact of their decisions. The PREVIEW project, outlined in this article, trialled a replacement to traditional paper PBL with virtual patients (VPs) delivered through a virtual world platform. The idea was that an immersive 3D environment could provide (a) greater realism (b) active decision-making and (c) a suitable environment for collaboration amongst work-based learners meeting remotely. Five VP scenarios were designed for learners on a Paramedic Foundation Degree within the virtual world second life (SL). A player using the MedBiquitous VP international standard allowed cases to be played both within SL and on the web. Three testing days were run to evaluate the scenarios with paramedic students and tutors. Students unfamiliar with the SL environment worked through five PBL scenarios in small groups, shadowed by 'in-world' facilitators. Feedback indicated that the SL environment engages students effectively in learning, despite some technology barriers. Students believed SL could provide a more authentic learner environment than classroom-based PBL.
通过基于案例或基于问题的学习（PBL）场景进行协作学习是学生获取知识和发展决策技能的绝佳方式。然而，这一过程受到向更加自主学习的转变以及学生从校园学习向工作场所学习的迁移的威胁。基于纸张的 PBL 案例只能单向进行，这可能会阻止学习者探索其决策的影响。本文概述的 PREVIEW 项目尝试用虚拟患者（VP）替代传统的纸质 PBL，这些 VP 通过虚拟世界平台提供。其理念是，沉浸式 3D 环境可以提供（a）更高的真实性、（b）主动决策和（c）为远程工作场所学习者之间的协作提供合适的环境。在虚拟世界第二人生（SL）中为护理基础学位的学习者设计了五个 VP 场景。使用 MedBiquitous VP 国际标准的玩家可以在 SL 内和网络上玩案例。进行了三天的测试，让护理学生和导师评估这些场景。不熟悉 SL 环境的学生在“虚拟世界”促进者的指导下，以小组形式完成五个 PBL 场景。反馈表明，尽管存在一些技术障碍，但 SL 环境可以有效地吸引学生进行学习。学生们认为 SL 可以提供比课堂 PBL 更真实的学习环境。
