Abstract

Purpose

Online learning has steadily grown in popularity suggesting a need to optimize online Team Based Learning (TBL) delivery techniques. This need was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic when instructors rapidly transitioned to online teaching. Extended reality has seen a similar growth in popularity in education. We investigated student perceptions on the effectiveness of a TBL session in augmented reality compared to conferencing software.

Methods

We presented two virtual TBL exercises to medical students, one using AR through the Microsoft HoloLens 2™ device and the application, ‘Spatial’. The second session used video conferencing software ‘Zoom’. After the sessions, student perceptions were obtained through a questionnaire of 20-questions on a Likert scale and 3 free response questions. Statistics were analyzed using JASP statistical software. Students were given a $25 gift card for their participation.

Results

Overall, our pilot group showed no statistical significance in student response between the two methods. Students tended to agree slightly more with statements about ‘Zoom’ compared to ‘AR’. There was a trend towards significance when asked if the student would take a course offered in the format, with a preference for ‘Zoom’. Several students mentioned a heightened level of engagement in AR because of the realistic avatars ‘revealing’ their level of engagement to peers. A few of the features of AR (such as automated clapping and confetti) were very distracting to the students.

Conclusions

Students were positive about the increased engagement and connectivity, despite some distracting features, and liked the realistic avatars and body language that they conveyed. Continued investigations are required, especially into virtual reality platforms.