The Impact of Multiuser Virtual Environments on Student Engagement

The purpose of this pilot study was to test the hypothesis that web-based synchronous instruction utilizing multi-user virtual environments (MUVEs) increases student engagement compared to traditional asynchronous learning methods. In a quasi-experimental two group post test only study, a sample of Family Nurse Practitioner students (n = 21) were instructed using either the synchronous or asynchronous learning method. Engagement was measured using the Community of Inquiry survey. Results indicated that engagement scores were significantly higher for the synchronous learning platform (mean = 3.61, SD = 1.13) compared to the asynchronous learning platform (mean = 3.49, SD = 1.08, t(1766) = -2.21, p < 0.05). Increased student engagement with synchronous MUVE platforms have the potential to improve learning outcomes and offer nursing students a multitude of educational opportunities to practice new skills and behaviors in real life scenarios, all within the safety of a controlled environment.