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Virtual simulated international placements as an innovation for internationalisation in undergraduate programs: a mixed methods study.
Edgar, Amanda K; Armitage, James A; Arambewela-Colley, Nadeeka; Chong, Luke X; Narayanan, Anuradha.
  • Edgar AK; School of Medicine (Optometry), Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, 3216, Australia. amanda.edgar@deakin.edu.au.
  • Armitage JA; School of Medicine (Optometry), Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, 3216, Australia.
  • Arambewela-Colley N; Partnerships and Engagement, Office of the Executive Dean, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, 3125, Australia.
  • Chong LX; School of Medicine (Optometry), Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, 3216, Australia.
  • Narayanan A; Elite School of Optometry, Medical Research Foundation, Chennai, India.
BMC Med Educ ; 23(1): 258, 2023 Apr 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2294572
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Inherent features in virtual simulation could be utilised to deliver collaborative global education that is inclusive, accessible, and valued by students and facilitators. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the International Eyecare Community (IEC) platform's virtual simulated international placements (VSIP) in optometric education.

METHODS:

An international, multi-center, cross-sectional mixed methods study with Deakin University, Australia, and the Elite School of Optometry, India, was used to evaluate the impact of VSIP in the IEC using pre-existing deidentified data collected from teaching and learning activities within the optometry course curriculum. Data on students and facilitators perceptions of the VSIP were collected through deidentified transcripts from focus group discussions. The data were interpreted using descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis using constant comparison for thematic analysis.

RESULTS:

A total of 64 out of 167 student participants completed survey responses (39%) and 46 out of 167 (28%) completed self-reflective inventories. Focus groups with 6 student participants and 6 facilitator participants were recorded and analysed. Student participants reported the IEC was relevant (98% agreement) and motivated them to apply theoretical knowledge to a clinical context (97% agreement). The themes identified through qualitative analysis were factors inherent to the virtual simulation that enabled learning through VSIP, the VSIP supported cognitive apprenticeship, VSIP enabled clinical learning for optometric education, VSIP' role in cross-cultural professional identity development in optometry students.

CONCLUSION:

The study found that the VSIP platform helped to motivate students to learn and improve their clinical skills. The VSIP was considered a potential supplement to physical clinical placements and could revolutionize global optometric education by offering co-learning across cultures.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Students / Curriculum Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Oceania Language: English Journal: BMC Med Educ Journal subject: Education Year: 2023 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S12909-023-04260-x

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Students / Curriculum Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Oceania Language: English Journal: BMC Med Educ Journal subject: Education Year: 2023 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S12909-023-04260-x