Findings
Due to the effects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton on the Tampa Bay Area during the time of this project the data was unable to be collected. In lieu of data collection a comprehensive proposal was developed for future research investigation.
Hypothesis
Feedback mechanisms in the immersive room are an effective short-term learning tool for EMS personnel.
This paper was written in conjunction with a peer, Jourdan Hanna, in University of Tampa's course EME 603: Inquiry and Measurement.
OVERVIEW
Purpose of Study
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feedback component of an immersive room at an EMS academy to determine if providing immediate feedback during a simulation has an impact on learning. The goal of this study is to provide new information on if immersive experiences feedback is satisfactory on its own and to identify potential opportunities for improvement of immersive rooms in the future. ​
This study focuses on two research questions:
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Do first responders who receive feedback remember the information provided in the short-term?
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Do first responders find the feedback mechanism helpful? ​​
Participants
A minimum of 15 first responders at a continuing education EMS Academy in Pinellas County will be studied. They have various work backgrounds, ages, and are different genders but all are currently employed as EMS workers. All participants will be recruited from the EMS Academy where the immersive room exists and where EMS workers conduct routine training. Participants will opt in and not be incentivized to participate directly or indirectly.
Existing Research
While research exists on the use of virtual reality and augmented reality there is a lack of research on immersive rooms. Furthermore, there is no known research on feedback mechanisms within immersive rooms. This demonstrates there are significant gaps in the current literature about what works best in immersive environments and how to improve the design of these programs.
Outcome
During the fall 2024 semester, when this research study was to be conducted the Tampa Bay Area was hit by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in rapid succession. The presence of these storms and massive damage caused by them prevented this study from being carried out to completion. Despite being unable to complete the research, we adapted this paper to detail a research proposal to facilitate future study in this area.
My Role
This paper was developed with my peer, Jourdan Hanna. We engaged in extensive collaboration and development throughout the research process. While all areas of the paper were reviewed and edited by both of us the following sections were my primary focus:
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Background
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Literature Review
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Study Limitations/Future Research
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Data Analysis
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Appendices A - E (Development of Informed Consent, Post-Survey, Interview Questions and Interview Protocol)