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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
07:29
Online Explorative Study on the Learning Uses of Virtual Reality Among Early Adopters
Published on: November 22, 2019
Student Perceptions of a Virtual Reality Animation for Teaching Absorption and Bioavailability in Pharmacology: A
Jon Andsnes Berg1,2, Trond Trætteberg Serkland1,2, Monika Kvernenes3
1Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
Pharmacology Research & Perspectives
|July 2, 2026
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) enhances pharmacology education by improving student engagement and understanding of complex concepts like drug absorption. Careful design is needed to balance engagement and cognitive load for optimal learning.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Pharmacology
- Virtual Reality Technology
Background:
- Medication errors underscore the need for robust pharmacology education.
- Insufficient pharmacology knowledge among healthcare students is a significant concern.
- Virtual Reality (VR) presents a novel approach to enhance learning experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of VR on student engagement, motivation, and perceived learning in pharmacology.
- To explore student perceptions of VR for visualizing complex pharmacological concepts.
- To assess VR's potential in integrating pharmacology with other medical disciplines.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-method approach involving a VR animation on drug absorption and bioavailability.
- Online questionnaires administered to 133 students across five international sites.
- Focus group interviews with 13 medical students at the University of Bergen.
Main Results:
- Approximately 50% of students reported a changed understanding of drug absorption after the VR session.
- Students found the 360° VR animation engaging and useful for visualizing complex concepts.
- Thematic analysis revealed tensions between VR integration, engagement levels, and assessment pressures.
Conclusions:
- VR animation shows potential to improve pharmacology education and integrate concepts with other medical disciplines.
- Careful VR design is crucial to support self-paced learning and prevent cognitive overload.
- VR can be an effective tool for enhancing student understanding of core pharmacology principles.
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