of presence, it is reasonable to expect that the technology will perform well in All centres received initial on-site training on the VERT software by Vertual Ltd.
this respect. Furthermore, if the learning experience is enjoyable and motivating, Follow up visits by the VERT co-ordinators are ongoing and aim to explore how
and skills development occurs in an environment where stress is reduced (ie VERT is being used (with particular reference to the VERT project outcomes), discuss
away from the pressures of the clinical environment) it may be expected that this the integration of VERT into curricula and identify any specific problems.
will impact positively on student retention. However, concrete evidence of this is
lacking in the literature. To date, there have been only minor issues specifically associated with the physical
installations. The most common problem faced by universities has been related to
Conventional teaching and learning strategies can lead to over-simplification of minor movement of the projectors. As Immersive VERT systems use rear projection
complex concepts and this ‘reductive bias’ may lead to gross misunderstandings. on to a particularly large screen, the system utilises two projectors with an ‘image
It has been reported that learning in virtual 3-D environments can increase blend’ in the middle. A small movement of one or both projectors causes noticeable
understanding of complex 3-D phenomena that are either not directly accessible blurring of the image in this blend portion that may induce adverse visual effects.
to the senses
12
or demand exceptional spatial aptitude
13
, and it is well recognised Realignment of the images is a relatively simple procedure to undertake via the
that many concepts in radiotherapy may be so described. Appreciating spatial system control panel and local users have been provided with instructions on how
anatomical relationships, relating structures to radiographic features, visualising to do this. Universities have also encountered minor issues with tracking systems
dose distributions and complex 3-dimensional treatments are examples where that have required recalibration when new versions of the VERT software have been
well designed VREs have considerable potential in facilitating greater levels of installed. Again, this is a relatively straightforward procedure that local users have
understanding. Whilst the VERT system certainly offers promise in this respect been able to undertake with guidance from Vertual Ltd.
there is, once again, relatively little strong evidence to date of how effective this
or, indeed, other VR applications are in enhancing understanding. Radiotherapy departments have faced numerous logistical issues associated with
the physical installation of Seminar VERT. Not least amongst these have been the
It can be seen, therefore, that the potential advantages of VERT as outlined earlier difficulties in locating and securing a suitable room in which the system can be
are consistent with many of the contributions of VREs to learning, and that there situated and, as highlighted above, a number of departments are still awaiting
is some relevant evidence to support its use. However, it can also be appreciated installation as a result. Some centres have had to locate Seminar VERT some distance
that there is a dearth of evidence and benchmarks by which VERT may be assessed away from the radiotherapy department and many have their systems situated in
in relation to the VERT project’s desired outcomes. shared rooms where sessions must be booked in advance, often precluding the use
of VERT to exploit learning opportunities as and when they arise.
The implementation of VERT
A number of other problems relating to the practical use of VERT in both
Installations universities and departments have arisen and these will be outlined and discussed
Immersive VERT systems have been installed in each of the 10 higher education later in this paper.
institutions (HEIs) offering radiotherapy education programmes in England.
Although not directly funded by the Department of Health initiative, Immersive Integration into curricula
Conventional
VERT systems have also been installed in Wales (Cardiff) and Northern Ireland Feedback to date illustrates that VERT is being used in radiotherapy curricula in a
teaching can
(Belfast) following independent funding initiatives. Currently, no Immersive VERT variety of ways in order to meet the project outcomes, as follows:
systems have been installed in Scotland.
lead to over-
Preparing first year students for clinical practice
As of January 2009, Seminar VERT systems have been installed in 30 radiotherapy VERT is being used to enable students to develop basic skills and confidence prior
simplification
departments in England with no installations in Wales, Northern Ireland or to their initial clinical placements. Employing virtual reality early in the learning
Scotland. Eight clinical departments opted not to accept or were unable to accept curve and allowing aspects to be broken down into component parts, thereby
of complex
funding for VERT and a further 13 departments are still pending installation of negating the difficulties associated with mentor ‘automaticity’ in the clinical
facilities. Of these, seven are awaiting completion of room refurbishment and four environment, has been recognised as important
14
. It is not surprising, therefore, to
concepts
are awaiting a move to a new area or department. see the VERT technology being used in this way.
2009
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