Work-in-Progress—Development of a Virtual Reality Learning Environment: VR Baby

Abstract

Educational technology plays an important role in the life of a medical student. The potential for virtual reality (VR) to enhance medical education has been discernible for more than 40 years; however, it has not been available due to the associated high costs [1]. With the advancement and affordability of three-dimensional (3D) technology, the introduction of virtual and augmented reality has the potential to change the way in which medical students learn today. Currently, teaching tools consist of a multitude of materials, from traditional resources such as books to more modern web- based videos, which provide students with extra study material in an effort to promote self-directed learning [2]. 3D learning objects have the potential to provide an alternative immersive learning tool for medical students to comprehend complex structures found within the medical education curricula [3], [4]. Furthermore, we can take this one step further by introducing 3D learning objects into virtual reality learning environments (VRLE’s) [5]. VRLE’s can assist in self-directed learning by providing an enhanced learning and understanding of invisible concepts, such as those found within the obstetrics and gynaecology curriculum. This study is based on the aforementioned concepts, which are used to develop an immersive 3D learning tool. This work-in-progress paper focuses on outlining the workflow process of the development of VR Baby, in which 3D learning objects are created for implementation into a VRLE, for future use within the medical education setting.