Virtual Characters as a Low-Cost Solution to Boost Simulation Engagement: Beyond the Manikin.

This article focuses on a pilot project that explored the use of computer-generated 2-dimensional (2-D) virtual characters to enhance student engagement in prebriefing and debriefing during nursing simulation education. Conducted at a public Midwestern open-access university’s Bachelor of Science in...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Nurse Educator Vol. 51; no. 4; pp. 229 - 231
Autores principales: Nold, Laura, Evans, MacKenzie, Grove, Traci R.
Formato: research Journal Article
Publicado: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Jul2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
fields @attributes:
  recordID: 1
pdfLink:
plink: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=194730897&site=ehost-live
header:
  @attributes:
    shortDbName: ccm
    uiTerm: 194730897
    longDbName: CINAHL Complete
    uiTag: AN
  controlInfo:
    bkinfo:
    dissinfo:
    jinfo:
      jid:
        03633624
        4EP
      jtl: Nurse Educator
      issn: 03633624
      maglogo: N
    pubinfo:
      dt: Jul2026
      vid: 51
      iid: 4
      pid: 433
      pub: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
      place: Baltimore, Maryland
    artinfo:
      ui:
        194730897
        194730897
        194730897
        10.1097/NNE.0000000000002149
        194730897
      ppf: 229
      ppct: 2
      formats:
      tig:
        atl: Virtual Characters as a Low-Cost Solution to Boost Simulation Engagement: Beyond the Manikin.
      aug:
        au:
          Nold, Laura
          Evans, MacKenzie
          Grove, Traci R.
        affil: Author Affiliations: Department of Nursing, Missouri Western State University, Saint Joseph, Missouri (Mss Nold and Evans)
      sug:
        subj:
          Computer Simulation Methods
          Models, Anatomic
          Cost Effectiveness Analysis
          Computer Simulation Economics
          Teaching Materials
          Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate
          Students, Nursing, Baccalaureate Psychosocial Factors
          Student Attitudes Evaluation
          Human
          Pilot Studies
          Midwestern United States
          Schools, Nursing
          Diffusion of Innovation
          Medical-Surgical Nursing Education
          Ethics, Nursing Education
          Descriptive Statistics
          Scales
          Student Experiences
          Qualitative Studies
          Feedback
          Content Analysis
          Thematic Analysis
          Faculty, Nursing Psychosocial Factors
          Faculty Attitudes Evaluation
          Learning
          Student Retention
          Course Content
          User-Computer Interface
          Peer Group
          Conversation
          Debates and Debating
          Reflection
          Nonverbal Communication
          Artificial Intelligence, Generative
          Professional Knowledge
          Software Design
          Educational Technology
      ab: This article focuses on a pilot project that explored the use of computer-generated 2-dimensional (2-D) virtual characters to enhance student engagement in prebriefing and debriefing during nursing simulation education. Conducted at a public Midwestern open-access university’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, the project introduced two characters—Micron Max, an infection preventionist, and Professional Polly, an ethics consultant—developed with free, open-access tools to support interactive learning. Survey results from participating students indicated that over 70% found the characters engaging, and qualitative analysis identified themes of increased engagement, improved learning and retention, interactivity, and multimodal support. While the characters showed promise in fostering student participation, limitations included their nonverbal 2-D format and the need for faculty familiarity with AI tools. The study suggests potential for broader integration of low-cost virtual characters in nursing education to enhance learner-centered simulation experiences.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
    refInfo:
    holdings:
      @attributes:
        islocal: N