NR 512 Week 3 Discussion Reflections on Second Life Experiences

Sample Answer

A virtual learning environment (VLE) is an online system that allows teachers to share educational materials with their students (Verkuyl et. al., 2017). For a student to be able to access VLE is an advantage for learners and teachers. For instance, when VLE is integrated into course assignments, it encourages communication between teachers and the students, links to outside sources, resource hubs, access to embedded content, and allow teachers to create virtual space to represent their classroom.

Virtual worlds help students to bridge the gap between knowledge and application by providing them with opportunities to use simulation in a safe environment, and by allowing individuals to practice skills, try out new ideas, and learn from their mistakes without disadvantage (Chow, 2016). The great thing about VLE is that the learning space is always available, which is perfect for students that require more flexible schedules. One of the benefits that I enjoy about VLE is that it enable students to engage in personalized education and allow them to work at their own pace.

VLE creates an engaging learning environment that keep student’s attention and promote interaction between students, well as teachers. At my organization VLE is utilized for BLS, ACLS, and PALS. The same methodology used by Instructional Design Model (ADDIE) is composed into video from simulation scenarios. These videos along with links, text, and questions are used to train health professionals. According to Demian and Morrice (2015), a well-maintained VLE should enable students of all learning styles to receive the best possible education, in a way that they may not in an exclusively lecture-based environment which tends to be focused on auditory only.

Reference

• Chow M. (2016). Determinants of presence in 3D virtual worlds A structural equation modelling analysis. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 32(1), 1-14
• Demian, P. and Morrice, J. (2015). The use of virtual learning environments and their impact on academic performance. Journal Engineering Education 7(1), 11-19. doi 10.11120/ened.2012.07010011
• Verkuyl, M., Romaniuk, D., Atack, L., & Mastrilli, P. (2017). Virtual gamin simulation for nursing education An experiment. Clinical Simulation in Nursing 13(5), 238-244. doi 10.1016/j.ecns.2017.02.004