Think Critically, Play Boldly: The Impact of VR Role-Playing on Nursing Education

Critical thinking is a fundamental yet overlooked skill of nursing education, crucial for equipping future nurses to navigate complex clinical scenarios. Nonetheless, conventional learning methods often emphasize individual learning modes, thereby neglecting collaborative opportunities such as teamwork and role-playing. Also, The traditional nursing education focuses on the training of hands-on practice, but the lack of contextualized learning with clinical scenario simulation limits the development of critical thinking, ultimately hindering the full potential of nursing education.This study aimed to assess the effects of a Collaborative Role-Play-Based Virtual Reality Flipped Learning (CRP-based VR-FL) approach on nursing education. Utilizing a quasi-experimental design within a vocational college setting, one group designated to receive instruction via the CRP-based VR-FL method, while another group was taught using the traditional non-CRP-based VR-FL approach.The research evaluated the impact of these instructional strategies on students' learning achievement and critical thinking skills by administering pre- and post-tests on knowledge related to intravenous infusions, a pre- and post-test critical thinking tendencies questionnaire, and a self-assessment. Findings indicated that the CRP-based VR-FL approach significantly improved students' learning achievement and critical thinking abilities, particularly in decision-making competencies. Furthermore, based on the students' self-assessments, it is evident that this method significantly enhances students' learning experiences, including engagement, participation, teamwork, and independent learning skills.Consequently, it is recommended that nursing education actively pursue and implement the CRP-based VR-FL approach to cultivate high-quality nursing professionals.