Introducing Virtual Reality Technology in Teaching
In 2024, virtual reality technology was introduced in the classroom of the BSc Paramedic Science course. The development created a uniquely immersive learning opportunity to help paramedic students strengthen their decision-making when dealing with emergency maternity scenarios.
Our students were the first to use VR to learn how to handle the pressure of decision-making in relation to maternity complications, benefiting from a bespoke VR programme developed specifically for use at QMU. The ability to make decisions in real time, in the safety of the virtual classroom, has helped improve students’ knowledge and confidence before they deal with critical situations in the real world.
VR allows students to learn and make mistakes without negative consequences. The technology continues to ensure that students are better prepared than ever before to deal with high risk, low incident situations when on placement or working professionally with paramedic teams.
