Effectiveness of Metaverse-Based Collaborative Learning in Nursing Education: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Educational Technology
• Virtual Learning Environments

Background:

• Collaborative learning is a key method in nursing education, emphasizing teamwork for problem-solving.
• Traditional collaborative learning methods may have limitations in fostering active student engagement.
• This study explored the integration of metaverse virtual spaces into nursing education for collaborative learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of metaverse-based collaborative learning on nursing students' educational experience.
• To compare student satisfaction and team project evaluations between metaverse and traditional learning groups.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing a nonequivalent control group posttest design.
• Second-year nursing students (n=43) were divided into an intervention group (metaverse) and a control group (traditional methods).
• Focus group interviews were conducted to gather qualitative data on learning experiences.

Main Results:

• The metaverse intervention group showed significantly higher satisfaction with collaborative learning compared to the control group.
• Peer evaluations of team projects were also significantly higher in the metaverse group.
• Qualitative findings revealed themes of "unwelcome changes," "discovering participation potential," and "building metaverse learning environments."

Conclusions:

• Metaverse collaborative learning offers a student-centered approach that promotes active interaction.
• This virtual environment addresses limitations found in traditional educational methods.
• The findings suggest metaverse technology has significant potential to enhance nursing education.