Exploring the potential use of the metaverse in nurse education through a mock trial

Abstract

Background The metaverse has been attracting attention as a space for the application of education, where integrating the real and virtual worlds offers immersive 3D experiences. Consequently, its potential for higher education, including nursing, is being explored as a dynamic alternative to traditional education. Objectives This study explores the applicability of metaverse in nurse education. It was conducted to implement a mock court on the metaverse platform and explore the learning experiences of nursing students through mock trials. Design Qualitative study. Settings A virtual mock court in VRChat (a virtual reality space). Participants Fourteen participants were divided into three groups. Methods An orientation was conducted to explain the virtual space before the mock trial. On the day of the mock trial, a health survey of study participants was conducted in advance. After the mock trial, questionnaires and reflective diaries were written. Results The experiences of nursing students were organized into eleven sub-themes and three themes: "core features of the metaverse platform," "participation in a mock trial in the VRChat virtual space," and "metaverse-based learning using a mock trial." Conclusions Nursing students participated and immersed themselves in learning while accepting the characteristics of the metaverse platform, which differs from face-to-face classes or existing educational methods. The metaverse enables reflective learning based on experiential lear…