Virtual Reality Scenario Design for Distance Learning With Google Poly

Abstract

Introduction:
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a rush to produce online and distance learning activities throughout higher education. Many programs were unprepared for a shift in simulation scenario delivery that allowed immersive clinical training. Virtual reality software and hardware have barriers of cost and knowledge implementation.

Objectives:
This paper will introduce the techniques to allow healthcare simulation technology specialists to create immersive web-based simulation scenarios using existing equipment to support online and distance learning objectives using the Google Poly platform.

Methods:
Equirectangular images were shot using a 360-degree video camera or stitched using a smartphone camera. These images of a staged immersive simulation room were loaded into the Google Poly online platform. Curriculum specific design elements were added based on a prior in-person scenario outline. Multiple scenes can be combined into a single virtual scenario that allows a learner to progress through multiple patient encounters or phases of a single patient encounter.

Results:
A simple web browser interface allows asynchronous navigation of this customized virtual simulation environment using existing PCs or smart phone equipment. This same virtual environment can also be experienced using VR headsets of VR viewers such as Google Cardboard. The Google Poly scene creation platform allows the addition of ‘points of interest’ that allows learners to view specific areas of the scene to see images that add additional detail or even play back media such as heart and lung sounds.

Conclusion:
Existing free open-source tools such as Google Poly can allow simulation centers to create immersive clinical simulation scenarios that are sharable as a distance learning solution to augment clinical experience.

Keywords: Virtual Learning, Google Poly, 360 camera, Healthcare Simulation