The thesis investigated the use of combination of sections using learning steps in the development of courseware presentation in the 3D Virtual Worlds platform. The technical objective of the study is to present the design of multisection strategy in developing healthcare course in 3D Virtual World online environment. The main aim of this study is to know the effects of multisection [objective, tutorial (with or without video), quiz and test] sections incorporation in an online 3D Virtual World towards the usability. The empirical research described in this thesis comprised three experimental phases. In the first phase, an initial experiment was carried out with 21 users to explore the usability and learning performance of courseware created using 3D the Virtual World platform of Second Life. The second experiment phase involved an experiment conducted with 30 users to investigate their perception, satisfaction and performance of the role of each main section involved in Virtual World courseware. In the third phase, a total of 30 users experimentally examined a unique approach to the use of video segment added in the Tutorial section of the OTQT framework. The overall obtained results demonstrated the usefulness of the tested multisection to enhance the development of healthcare course in an online learning of 3D Virtual World program. These results in three experiments provided a set of unique and empirically derived guidelines for the design and the use of three multisection frameworks to generate more usable courseware in the 3D Virtual Worlds of an online learning interface. For example, when designing avatars as animated virtual lecturers in e-learning interfaces, specific facial expression and body gestures should be incorporated due to its positive influence in enhancing learners' attitude towards the learning process.

The thesis investigated the use of combination of sections using learning steps in the development of courseware presentation in the 3D Virtual Worlds platform. The technical objective of the study is to present the design of multisection strategy in developing healthcare course in 3D Virtual World online environment. The main aim of this study is to know the effects of multisection [objective, tutorial (with or without video), quiz and test] sections incorporation in an online 3D Virtual World towards the usability. The empirical research described in this thesis comprised three experimental phases. In the first phase, an initial experiment was carried out with 21 users to explore the usability and learning performance of courseware created using 3D the Virtual World platform of Second Life. The second experiment phase involved an experiment conducted with 30 users to investigate their perception, satisfaction and performance of the role of each main section involved in Virtual World courseware. In the third phase, a total of 30 users experimentally examined a unique approach to the use of video segment added in the Tutorial section of the OTQT framework. The overall obtained results demonstrated the usefulness of the tested multisection to enhance the development of healthcare course in an online learning of 3D Virtual World program. These results in three experiments provided a set of unique and empirically derived guidelines for the design and the use of three multisection frameworks to generate more usable courseware in the 3D Virtual Worlds of an online learning interface. For example, when designing avatars as animated virtual lecturers in e-learning interfaces, specific facial expression and body gestures should be incorporated due to its positive influence in enhancing learners¿ attitude towards the learning process.

Rationale: Audiology student training in New Zealand faces many difficulties with a limited number of qualified instructors and suitable external placements. With a continued shortage of audiologists in New Zealand, new methods of training need to be introduced and implemented. One solution is through the use of realistic, computer-based virtual patient simulators (VPS). HIT Lab New Zealand in conjunction with the University of Canterbury has designed a VPS for New Zealand audiology students. A speech audiometry component is to be developed based on best practice recommendations, and needs to be validated. Method: Two studies, one with 18 Master of Audiology (“expert”) and another with 18 (“novice”) undergraduate students, were evenly divided into simulator and non-simulator user groups. Simulator users had to complete 5 virtual patient cases in addition to the non-simulator users’ requirement to refer to provided lecture notes and speech audiometry protocols. Novice students were assessed on declarative, procedural and retained knowledge of speech audiometry; expert students were additionally assessed on training transfer. The intervention period was set at two weeks, and the retention assessment at four weeks post-intervention.   Results: Expert students who used the simulator significantly improved their training transfer skills. No significant differences were found between and within groups for declarative knowledge and procedural knowledge. Training transfer and procedural knowledge were retained for both groups, but only non-simulator users retained declarative knowledge. Novice students who used the simulator significantly increased their declarative knowledge. Both groups’ procedural knowledge significantly regressed post-intervention. Declarative and procedural knowledge were retained for both groups. Implications: Simulator use appears to accelerate learning outcomes otherwise achievable through traditional learning methods, and does depend on the users’ existing knowledge base. Regular use may be necessary to retain desired learning outcomes. Improvements (e.g., more detailed feedback systems) are to be incorporated into the simulator, and sole reliance on the simulator for learning is not recommended. Future research into more holistic aspects of virtual patient use within the field of audiology and allied health care is warranted.