scholarly journals Virtual Reality Speaking Application Utilisation in Combatting Presentation Apprehension

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siti Maftuhah Damio ◽  
Qistina Ibrahim
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Mixed Method Study ◽  
Real Situation ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Faculty Of Education ◽  
Oral Presentations ◽  
Future Work

Virtual Reality (VR) application in the field of education has been an ongoing endeavour. It is believed that VR provides an opportunity for students to learn in a real situation through the exposure of artificially created reality and the use of visual which improves the learning by enhancing study focus (Piovesan, Passerion and Pereira, 2012). The accessibility to VR is made even easier with the invention of wireless VR. Incorporating this technology in language learning is a logical step, particularly in combatting students’ apprehension to carry out presentations. Thus, the focus of this study is to investigate UiTM Faculty of Education TESL postgraduates’ attitude in using virtual reality speaking application to ease their presentation apprehension.  A mixed-method study is adopted by incorporating both quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (interviews) approaches. A purposive sampling of twenty-four TESL postgraduates is used to gather data which was then analysed using SPSS version 23 for the questionnaire and thematic analysis for the interview. Descriptive statistics is used to present the findings. The findings show that the participants have limited knowledge of VR speaking application. Nonetheless, they are very interested and motivated to use the application as part of their presentation preparation especially in easing their apprehension. VR speaking application provides a crucial connection in improving oral presentations skills, but it is not the best approach for teachers to develop speaking skills. As this study is based on the respondents’ perceptions, future work is necessary to statistically study the effectiveness of VR speaking technology in language learning as well as investing if any significant relationship is formed between VR speaking application and language learning and teaching variables.

scholarly journals Repurposing virtual reality assets: from health sciences to Italian language learning

2020 ◽  
pp. 21-26
Author(s):  
Alessia Plutino ◽  
Tiziana Cervi-Wilson ◽  
Billy Brick
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
Language Curriculum ◽  
Health Care Students ◽  
Italian Language ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Modern Language ◽  
The University

This paper reports on the rationale for the implementation of a pilot project using a scenario-based Virtual Reality (VR) resource, originally developed by Health Sciences at Coventry University and now being repurposed for Italian language learning as a collaborative project with Modern Languages and Linguistics at the University of Southampton. The original aim of the resource was to prepare health care students for home visits by allowing them to experience a semi-linear conversation with a virtual Non-player Character (NPC). The authors will discuss how they are planning to repurpose the resource for Italian language learning and teaching and will analyse the potential pedagogical uses within the modern language curriculum, including emotional language, employability skills, and the year abroad.

scholarly journals Writing Anxiety Among Saudi Female Learners at Some Saudi Universities

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 55
Author(s):  
Nafilah M. Aloairdhi
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
English Language ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Time Pressure ◽  
Writing Apprehension ◽  
Mixed Method Study ◽  
Writing Anxiety ◽  
Specific Formula

Writing is an important skill in language learning and in academic achievement. The level of writing anxiety could affect students' achievements positively or negatively. This research aimed to examine the writing anxiety among Saudi female learners enrolled in English language departments at some Saudi universities. It also aimed to identify the sources of writing anxiety. To this end, a mixed method study was designed in which Writing Apprehension Test (WAT) Scale by Daly and Miller (1975) and an open-ended question were used to collect necessary data from 105 randomly selected learners. For data analysis, two different statistical procedures in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and a specific formula suggested by Daly and Miller (1975) were applied. Coding was applied to qualitative data. The results indicated that the participants (N = 105) experience moderate level of writing anxiety. In addition, the main sources of writing anxiety were evaluation, generating ideas, grammar, time pressure, and lack of confidence.

Towards Usable Collaborative Virtual Reality Environments for Promoting Listening Comprehension

2011 ◽  
pp. 386-411
Author(s):  
Miguel A. Garcia-Ruiz ◽  
Arthur Edwards ◽  
Raul Aquino-Santos ◽  
Jay Shiro Tashiro ◽  
Bill Kapralos
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Listening Comprehension ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Collaborative Virtual Reality ◽  
Future Work

This chapter investigates whether an educational virtual environment can be developed to practice listening comprehension skills that meets second language student needs, complies with usability criteria, and is motivating to use. The chapter also investigates whether the usability of virtual reality(VR) technology positively affects language learning listening comprehension. It provides background research and information in Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL), VR, and second language methodology. It then presents a technical and qualitative description of Realtown, a virtual environment designed to promote listening comprehension. This chapter also describes a usability study of Realtown. Student errors, motivation, and ease of use, among other features, were positively measured on listening comprehension activities in Realtown. Future work includes longitudinal studies on learning issues, first-person, and collaborative experiences in VR, including the impact of VR on learning and knowledge transfer when combined with traditional instruction.

Investigating the role of middle managers in strategy-making process: An Australian mixed method study

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim O'Shannassy
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Method ◽  
Middle Managers ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Mixed Method Study ◽  
Henry Mintzberg ◽  
Organization Strategy ◽  
Strategy Making ◽  
Mix Methods

AbstractSeveral influential writers including Henry Mintzberg and Gary Hamel have highlighted the need for organizations to value the contribution to strategy work of middle managers in an uncertain world. In this study quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews are used to mix methods and investigate the role of middle managers in strategy-making process in Australia. The results indicate that middle managers are the ‘doers’ of strategy, with important ‘analyst’, ‘coordinator’, ‘information source’ and ‘communicator’ roles. Middle managers reported some frustration in interviews that at times they feel their input to strategic conversations is not translated effectively into organization strategy.

Current Perceptions: The DNP–PhD Divide

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bonnie L. Nickasch ◽  
Michelle M. Lehr ◽  
Bonnie Schmidt ◽  
Trevor Henne ◽  
Carley Wippich
Keyword(s):  
Student Success ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Nursing Practice ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Mixed Method Study ◽  
University Administrators ◽  
Organizational Changes ◽  
Doctor Of Nursing Practice ◽  
Survey Responses ◽  
Enhance Student Learning

Background: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD degrees are terminal degrees in nursing, yet they differ in preparation and intended purpose. Perceptions of DNP- and PhD-prepared faculty, staff, and administrators regarding DNP/PhD teaching roles, research expectations, and attitudes toward collaboration are poorly understood. Objective: This mixed-method study sought to identify current perceptions related to collaboration and utilization of DNP- and PhD-prepared faculty, staff, and administrators. Methods: Quantitative survey responses were obtained from 55 DNP- or PhD-prepared individuals, followed by qualitative interviews of eight participants. Results: Qualitative findings identified DNP–PhD division, lack of collaboration, and sub-optimal utilization of DNP and PhD individuals. Significant quantitative findings identified perceptions that increased collaboration would enhance student learning and increase research success. Conclusions: Administrators should make organizational changes that break down barriers between DNP- and PhD-prepared faculty, staff, and administrators. Implications for Nursing: University administrators can optimize student success by finding ways to bridge the divide between DNP- and PhD-prepared faculty, staff, and administrators.

scholarly journals A digital health intervention to increase health knowledge related to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Taenia solium cysticercosis/taeniosis in Iringa, Tanzania: Protocol of a mixed-method study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Holst ◽  
Felix Sukums ◽  
Bernard Ngowi ◽  
Lien My Diep ◽  
Tewodros Aragie Kebede ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Method ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Taenia Solium ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Health Messages ◽  
Mixed Method Study ◽  
The Difference

BACKGROUND Health promotion and health education have traditionally been given to communities in the global south in the form of leaflets or orally by healthcare workers. Digital health interventions (DHIs) such as digital health messages accessed with, for example, smartphones have the potential to reach more people at a lower cost and to contribute to strengthening of the healthcare system. The DHI in this study is focused on disseminating digital health education on three disease complexes of high public health concern, i.e. HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and Taenia solium (neuro)cysticercosis/taeniosis (TSCT), a parasitic zoonotic disease that requires a Health One approach to combat. The DHI presents the participants with animated health videos (animations) and provides access to internet hotspots in rural Tanzanian communities, with a freely accessible digital health platform containing messages about health. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to measure the effect of the DHI on health knowledge uptake and retention over time in the rural communities. METHODS This is a mixed-method study including a non-randomized, controlled trial and qualitative interviews, conducted in rural Tanzania, in which the DHI is being implemented. A health platform containing digital health messages to the communities was developed prior to the study. The health messages comprise text, pictures, quizzes and animations of everyday stories, aiming at disease prevention and early treatment. The baseline and immediate-after assessment was completed in Iringa, Tanzania in 2019. The participants were interviewed by enumerators and completed questionnaires with questions regarding health knowledge. Participants in the intervention group were exposed to three health animations once, on a tablet device. The participants’ health knowledge was immediately assessed again after exposure. The first follow-up survey was undertaken in August 2019. The internet hotspots with the health platform were thereafter rolled out in the intervention villages in November 2019. Qualitative interviews were undertaken in February 2020. The second follow-up was completed in June 2020. RESULTS A total of 600 participants have been enrolled in the trial. We will assess 1) the difference in knowledge scores between baseline and immediate-after in the intervention group, 2) the difference in knowledge scores between the groups on the changes from baseline to 3 and 6 months post DHI rollout. As a randomised design was not feasible, potential confounders, e.g. age, gender, education and time from exposure, may be introduced, for which results will be adjusted. Data analysis for the 35 qualitative interviews is currently ongoing, where perspectives and experiences related to use and non-use of the hotspots are being explored. CONCLUSIONS This is an ongoing digital health study, aiming at evaluating the effects of a DHI based on relevant health messages, of which published results can be expected next year. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03808597; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03808597

scholarly journals Can virtual reality improve traditional anatomy educational programmes?A mixed-method study on the use of a 3D skull model

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shi Chen ◽  
Jiawei Zhu ◽  
Cheng Cheng ◽  
Zhouxian Pan ◽  
Lingshan Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Mixed Method Study ◽  
Traditional Teaching ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Skull Model ◽  
Complex Anatomy ◽  
Level Of Motivation ◽  
Theory Test

Abstract Background: Realistic, portable, and scalable lectures, cadaveric models, 2D atlases and computer simulations are being combined more frequently for teaching anatomy, resulting in major increases in user satisfaction. However, while digital simulations may be more portable, interesting, or motivating than traditional teaching tools, it is unclear whether they are superior in terms of student learning. This paper presents a study in which the educational effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR) skull model is compared with that of cadaveric skulls and atlases. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of teaching with VR with those of traditional teaching methods by administering objective questionnaires and perception surveys. Methods: A mixed-method study with 73 medical students was carried out with three different groups: the VR skull (N=25), cadaveric skull (N=25) and atlas (N=23) groups. Anatomical structures were taught through an introductory lecture and model-based learning. All students completed the pre- and post-intervention tests, which were composed of a theory test and an identification test. Results: The participants in all three groups had significantly higher total scores on the post-intervention test than on the pre-intervention test; the post-interview test score in the VR group was not statistically significantly higher than those of the other groups (VR: 30 [22-33.5], cadaver: 26 [20-31.5], atlas: 28[20-33]; p=0.571). The participants in the VR and cadaver groups provided more positive feedback on their learning models than the atlas group (VR: 26 [19-30], cadaver: 25 [19.5-29.5], atlas: 12 [9-20]; p<0.0001).Conclusions: The VR skull model was equally efficient as the cadaver skull and atlas in terms of enabling students to learn anatomy. In addition, VR can aid participants in understanding complex anatomy structures with a higher level of motivation and mild adverse effects.

Disability-Friendly Healthcare at Public Health Facilities in Bangladesh: A Mixed-Method Study To Explore the Existing Situation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nawshin Torsha ◽  
Farah Naz Rahman ◽  
Shafkat Hossain ◽  
Hasina Akhter Chowdhury ◽  
Minjoon Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Mixed Method Study ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Public Health Facilities ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Information And Communication

Abstract Background Several strategies and policies are being implemented in Bangladesh to address the healthcare needs of people with disabilities, who comprise about 10% of the country’s total population. However, these measures are not adequate to provide accessible or friendly healthcare to the people with disabilities. This study aimed to explore the disability-friendliness of healthcare facilities, and the challenges of people with disabilities in terms of access to 1) information and communication, 2) access to infrastructure, and 3) providers’ capacity in Bangladesh. Methods A mixed-method study was conducted, including a cross-sectional survey of healthcare facilities, followed by structured-interview with people with disabilities and healthcare managers, and qualitative interviews among people with disabilities or their caregivers, healthcare providers (HCPs), policymakers, and community leaders. Data were collected from 150 public healthcare (primary-to-tertiary) facilities and from 300 people with disabilities in 16 districts across Bangladesh between January-December 2019. An observational checklist and structured questionnaires were used to assess the situation of healthcare facilities, and literature-guided guidelines were used for qualitative interviews. During analysis, the disability-friendliness of healthcare facilities were quantified through a scoring system, and thematic analysis of qualitative data was performed to identify the challenges of implementing disability-friendly healthcare (DFHC). Results The score for providing DFHC was low across all the four objectives in the healthcare facilities. The highest score (mean percentage) was observed in the infrastructure domain: 29.3±20.5, followed by communication: 18.2±4.8, and information: 14.6±6.22, and the lowest (0.93±7.1) score was for capacity of the HCPs to provide DFHC. Mean percentage scores for access to 13 infrastructure points were low, and extremely low scores were found in areas such as access to elevators (5.6±5.0), ticket counters (7.3±17.7) and toilets (10.6±9.3). Furthermore, about 59.1% of people with disabilities expressed dissatisfaction regarding access to information and communication. The majority (98.2%) recommended that training of HCPs can improve the situation. Conclusion This study revealed that most of the public health facilities in Bangladesh were not disability-friendly. Findings can inform development of a national disability-friendly policy with implementation guidelines.

scholarly journals Factors Associated With Post-traumatic Growth Among Healthcare Workers Who Experienced the Outbreak of MERS Virus in South Korea: A Mixed-Method Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hye Sun Hyun ◽  
Mi Ja Kim ◽  
Jin Hyung Lee
Keyword(s):  
South Korea ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Mixed Method Study ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic

Background: Infectious disease outbreaks such as COVID-19 and MERS pose a major threat to healthcare workers' (HCWs) physical and mental health. Studies exploring the positive changes gained from adapting to traumatic events, known as post-traumatic growth (PTG), have attracted much attention. However, it is unclear which factors or experiences lead to PTG among HCWs. The purpose of this mixed-method study was to investigate factors associated with PTG among HCWs who experienced the MERS outbreak in South Korea, and fully describe their experience of developing PTG.Methods: Quantitative data from 78 participants were collected using psychometric tools for Psychological distress, Resilience, and Support for coping, and Post-traumatic growth. Qualitative interviews were conducted with seven nurses. Data were analyzed using the qualitative content analysis method according to the sub-themes of resilience, which was the main factor associated with PTG.Results: We found resilience to have a significant impact on PTG (ß =0.486, p = 0.001). Thus the qualitative interviews were analyzed using the core concepts of resilience. Qualitative interviews with nurses illustrated how participants experienced the development of resilience in terms of its sub-factors: hardiness, persistence, optimism, and support.Conclusion: HCWs who endured the MERS outbreak showed high levels of PTG, and the analysis of the interview data provided a fuller understanding on the experience of remaining resilient and developing PTG. These results provide practical and pragmatic information helpful for developing intervention strategies and protocols that can help HCWs transform adversity into growth and development.

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