Game-based Virtual Reality Technology for HAZMAT Response Training: Enhancing Critical Thinking Attitudes
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
Game-based virtual reality (VR) technology represents an innovative educational approach, which can effectively engage learners by offering realistic, immersive training environments. This method holds promise in disaster preparedness and emergency response training, because it allows trainees to practice critical skills in interactive, lifelike scenarios with greater engagement and at lower cost than traditional methods. This study investigated the effectiveness of game-based virtual reality for hazardous materials (HAZMAT) emergency response training. 47 undergraduate participants participated in simulated scenarios under time constrains. Assessment methods included multiple-choice tests for knowledge, behavioral sequence scoring for decision-making, and self-reflection questionnaires for critical thinking. Results showed significant improvements in content knowledge (7.34±1.5 to 7.96±1.5, p<0.05) and critical thinking (54.51±6.7 to 58.30±3.1 out of 60, p<0.01). Participants achieved an average behavioral sequence score of 84.4/100, demonstrating enhanced cognitive processing. Most participants reported that VR-based training was effective for learning and developing critical thinking skills. The findings suggest that VR technology offers a promising, cost-effective alternative to traditional emergency response training methods.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
The contents and data in published articles in the Journal of Education and Innovative Learning are considered the ideas and responsibility of the author(s). The Editorial team does not necessarily agree with any ideas or hold mutual responsibility of them. Plagiarism is not permitted, even for academic purposes. However, proper citation must be given whenever referencing the articles.
References
Adami, P., Rodrigues, P. B., Woods, P. J., Becerik-Gerber, B., Soibelman, L., Copur-Gencturk, Y., & Lucas, G. (2021). Effectiveness of VR-based training on improving construction workers' knowledge, skills, and safety behavior in robotic teleoperation. Advanced Engineering Informatics, 50, 101431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aei.2021.101431
Agboola, F., McCarthy, T., & Biddinger, P. D. (2013). Impact of emergency preparedness exercise on performance. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 19, S77-S83. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHH.0b013e31828ecd84
Albanese, J., & Paturas, J. (2018). The importance of critical thinking skills in disaster management. Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning, 11(4), 326-334. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30670134
Bailin, S. (2002). Critical thinking and science education. Science & Education, 11, 361-375. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016042608621
Carlgren, T. (2013). Communication, critical thinking, problem solving: A suggested course for all high school students in the 21st century. Interchange, 44, 63-81. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10780-013-9197-8
Chang, C.-W., Lin, C.-W., Huang, C.-Y., Hsu, C.-W., Sung, H.-Y., & Cheng, S.-F. (2022). Effectiveness of the virtual reality chemical disaster training program in emergency nurses: A quasi-experimental study. Nurse Education Today, 119, 105613. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2022.105613
Checa, D., & Bustillo, A. (2020). A review of immersive virtual reality serious games to enhance learning and training. Multimedia Tools and Applications, 79, 5501-5527. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11042-019-08348-9
Edzén, S., & Sein, M. K. (2016). Designing theme-based tabletop exercise for identifying and dealing with coordination problems in emergencies. International Journal of Emergency Management, 12(1), 22-40. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJEM.2016.074883
Herrington, J., & Kervin, L. (2007). Authentic learning supported by technology: Ten suggestions and cases of integration in classrooms. Educational Media International, 44(3), 219-236. https://doi.org/10.1080/09523980701491666
Jung, A.-R., & Park, E.-A. (2022). The effectiveness of learning to use HMD-based VR technologies on nursing students: Chemoport insertion surgery. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(8), 4823. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084823
Kahlke, R., & White, J. (2013). Critical thinking in health sciences education: Considering "three waves". Creative Education, 4, 21-29. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2013.412A1004
Kang, K.-A., Kim, S.-J., Lee, M.-N., Kim, M., & Kim, S. (2020). Comparison of learning effects of virtual reality simulation on nursing students caring for children with asthma. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(22), 8417. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17228417
Kobes, M., Helsloot, I., de Vries, B., & Post, J. (2010). Exit choice, (pre-)movement time and (pre-)evacuation behaviour in hotel fire evacuation — Behavioural analysis and validation of the use of serious gaming in experimental research. Procedia Engineering, 3, 37-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2010.07.006
Leigh, M. (2016, May). Changes in the public sector resilience landscape [Occasional paper 17]. Emergency Planning College.
Mao, W., Cui, Y., Chiu, M. M., & Lei, H. (2021). Effects of game-based learning on students' critical thinking: A meta-analysis. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 59(8), 1682-1708. https://doi.org/10.1177/07356331211007098
Merchant, Z., Goetz, E. T., Cifuentes, L., Keeney-Kennicutt, W., & Davis, T. J. (2014). Effectiveness of virtual reality-based instruction on students' learning outcomes in K-12 and higher education: A meta-analysis. Computers & Education, 70, 29-40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2013.07.033
National Fire Protection Association. (2008). Fire protection handbook (20th ed.).
Raisa, S., Maryani, E., & Ningrum, E. (2022). Contribution of critical thinking in the disaster preparedness of geographic students. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1089, 012066. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1089/1/012066
Sætren, G. B., Stenhammer, H. C., Andreassen, N., & Borch, O. J. (2021, November 2-3). Adventure-based cruise tourism and emergency response-training for increased polar-water emergency management competence [Poster presentation]. The Svalbard Science Conference SSC21, Oslo, Norway. https://hdl.handle.net/11250/3034456
Schafersman, S. D. (1991). An introduction to critical thinking. https://facultycenter.ischool.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Critical-Thinking.pdf
Seprum, P., Wongwatkit, C., Seeprasert, P., Lai, L. C., & Rongbutsri, N. (2021). A development of immersive learning system for emergency response training. In Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Educational Research 2021 (507–514). Khon Kaen University.
Sherman, W. R., & Craig, A. B. (2003). Understanding virtual reality: Interface, application, and design. Morgan Kaufmann.
Silva, T. d. S., Marinho, E. C. R., Cabral, G. R. E., & Gama, K. S. d. (2017). Motivational impact of virtual reality on game-based learning: Comparative study of immersive and non-immersive approaches. In V. Teichrieb, A. D. Gama, F. Simões, J. M. Teixeira, & R. A. Roberto (Eds.), 19th Symposium on Virtual and Augmented Reality (SVR) (155–158). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/SVR.2017.28
Skryabina, E., Reedy, G., Amlôt, R., Jaye, P., & Riley, P. (2017). What is the value of health emergency preparedness exercises? A scoping review study. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 21, 274-283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2016.12.010
Tena-Chollet, F., Tixier, J., Dandrieux, A., & Slangen, P. (2017). Training decision-makers: Existing strategies for natural and technological crisis management and specifications of an improved simulation-based tool. Safety Science, 97, 144-153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2016.03.025
The Foundation for Critical Thinking. (n.d.). Defining critical thinking. Retrieved August 8, 2024, from http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/defining-critical-thinking/766
U.S. Department of Transportation. (2020). 2020 emergency response guidebook. Independently.
