TDG – Construction of Virtual 3D Laboratory for Simulated Training on Laboratory Safety Measures and the Use of Laboratory Core Facilities

Abstract

Proper orientation of laboratory safety measures are an important introductory component for new research postgraduate student and laboratory research staff. Personalized instruction is repetitive and time consuming and often with no intellectual engagement.

We designed a series of virtual 3D introductory training sessions using Second Life to replace the traditional didactic introductory lecture, incorporating simulated examples to highlight the relevance of issues being covered. These virtual 3D simulation sessions require individual interaction and are designed to enable the students to learn from their responses during the interactive sessions. Each training session included self-learning materials presented on the e-learning platform Moodle, and a quiz to assess students’ understanding.

A cohort of 10 new students had their safety induction by means of these virtual 3D training sessions, with a pre-test and post-test quiz. An online questionnaire was designed to obtain quantitative evaluation. The pre-to post-test scores showed a +7.2% change. Five out of 10 questions asked showed improved average scores from +14% to +33%. All except one student responded positively, suggesting the use of Virtual Reality helped enhance students understanding during the learning process, improved retention of knowledge, provided students with motivation to learning, gave students control over the process of active learning and the opportunity for reflective thinking.

Deliverables