This document discusses the use of virtual worlds like Second Life for teaching and learning at the University of Kansas Medical Center. It provides background on how the university integrated virtual worlds into health care courses by purchasing a private virtual island called KUMC Isle. Several projects using the virtual world are described, including having students give speeches in a virtual auditorium, simulate procedures in a virtual operating room, and take part in roleplays as healthcare professionals. Students reported that the virtual world experiences improved their real-world speaking, professionalism, and patient interaction skills. The document concludes with lessons on when virtual worlds are best used versus not used for teaching, and things to consider before beginning a virtual world project like the learning curve and defining learning tasks.

1. Stephanie GeraldEducational TechnologistUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas City, Kansas, USAVirtual Worlds:How computer-simulated environments can impact and improve teaching and learning

2. You will learn..BackgroundProjectsStudentsLessons learned

3. You will learn..How we integrated virtual worlds into our health care courses and curriculumBackgroundProjectsStudentsLessons learned

4. You will learn..How we created our virtual world projects around specific learning tasksBackgroundProjectsStudentsLessons learned

5. You will learn..How students improved their real world skillsBackgroundProjectsStudentsLessons learned

6. You will learn..How you can make the most out of using virtual worlds in teaching and learningBackgroundProjectsStudentsLessons learned

7. Respiratory Care Education Health Information ManagementDiagnostic Ultrasound & Vascular Technology Dietetics & NutritionNurse Anesthesia Education CytotechnologyHearing & Speech/Audiology Diagnostic Cardiac SonographyPhysical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science Nuclear Medicine TechnologyClinical Laboratory Sciences Occupational Therapy EducationThe University of Kansas Medical CenterSchool of Allied Health – 581 studentsSchool of Medicine – 1762 studentsSchool of Nursing – 722 studentsBackground

8. Need a Learning EnvironmentCost effectiveBackgroundEngaging and ExcitingSimulate real world situations

9. Second Life at KUMCPromoted the island to faculty as a new environment for learning tasksBackgroundPurchased a Virtual Island for private accessKUMC Isle

10. You will learn..Communication -Simulation -Roleplay-BackgroundProjectsStudentsLessons learned

11. Project 1 CommunicationProjectsStudents give a speech in the auditorium or create poster presentations that are displayed in the poster pavilion on the island.

12. Project 2 SimulationStudents can see a replica of the hospital operating room, and practice basic procedural steps to test their decision making skills in the operating room.Projects

13. Project 3 RoleplayStudents play the role of a physical therapist or occupational therapist, while the instructors play the role of a potential patient in a home assessment situation. Projects

14. You will learn..Students improved their real world skills Speaking –Professionalism –Working with patients –BackgroundProjectsStudentsLessons learned

15. Speaking and Presentation Skills“Presenting in Second Life produced just as many nerves as speaking in real life.”“Prepared me to create a professional slide presentation, since I knew the slides would be open for anyone to see.”Students

16. ProfessionalismDress codeWorking in teamsSocial Media/Online environmentStudents

17. Working with Patients“Roleplay in Second Life helped me to better understand how to speak to patients in a home assessment.”“Good practice before we actually have to work with patients.”Students“Since I had time to react slowly in SL, I could focus more on what I would say.”

18. You will learn..When to use –When not to use –Things to know before beginning a Second Life ProjectBackgroundProjectsStudentsLessons learned

19. When to useWhen it’s difficult to replicate a real world situation

20. When you want to bring people together.

21. When you need an environment to visualize a concept

22. When you need something different - Just don’t use it just to use it, have a purposeLessons learned