Disciplines: Creating an Immersive Environment
Health Sciences
Immersive environments are crucial for students in clinical-focused programs, in order to prepare them for emergency real-world situations that they will encounter in their careers. McGrath et al. (2017) examine a highly immersive virtual simulation with the purpose of preparing students in the medical field for patient-based emergencies. Begun et al. (2003) discuss the use of human-human interaction within the health sciences, creating an immersive and complex networking simulation based on realistic scenarios between individuals within the system.
Natural Sciences
The notion of a 鈥渟mart learning environment鈥� is a growing interest in the evolution of education, especially when it comes to simulation learning in the sciences. Spector (2014) addresses how a technology-adaptive space can contribute toward the educational experience, and establish an environment most suitable for simulation learning.
Social Sciences
Role-play simulations are regularly used in the social sciences to create immersive simulations (Carnes, 2014). Several classes have used role-play simulations to replicate international negotiations. Hosting the event in a different location and encouraging students to take on their roles improved student performance (Crossley-Frolick, 2010). Social science classrooms can also benefit from using virtual spaces to conduct simulations. The use of online spaces can also be mobilized in social science classrooms to provide alternative modes of communication and interaction that can extend beyond class time (Dengler, 2008).聽