الفهرس 
IntroductionOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 185 |  |  |
| | | from | 185 | | |
Abstract
Summary
Recently, the renewed interest in the use of virtual reality (VR) in nursing education has led to some novel approaches to learning. The emergence of fully immersive simulations for the teaching and consolidation of both clinical, cognitive skills and communication-related competencies has been hailed as a possible realistic alternative to traditional based learning.
Virtual lab-based learning is a technology that continues to grow in popularity. Advances in VR technology have led to the potential use of VR in Nursing and Midwifery education to create innovative and memorable learning opportunities.
The study was aimed to assess relation between Virtual Lab based learning method use and critical thinking skills of maternity nursing students .
Research questions :
Is there a relation between Virtual Lab based learning method use and critical thinking skills of maternity nursing students?
Study Design:
A descriptive correlational research design was utilized.
Setting of the study:
This study conducted at maternal and neonatal health nursing hall and central computer lab on faculty of nursing, Ain Shams University.
Sampling:
Sample type & size: A simple random sample technique was used to recruit 332 out of (544) Maternal and neonatal health nursing students registered in the 3rd year at academic year 2022-2023, Faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University was calculated according to formula statistics n = Z21- /2p (1-p)/d2.
Tools for data collection:
One tool was used for data collection:
Self-administrated Critical thinking disposition inventory it was adapted from (Redhana et al., 2017) used to assess critical thinking skills of maternity nursing students training through virtual lab. It consists of 33 items that divided into 7 subscales: truth-seeking, open mindedness, analyticity, systematicity, CT self-confidence, inquisitiveness, and cognitive maturity. The responses to each item were based on the Likert scale, i.e. strongly disagree (score 1), disagree (score 2), neutral (score 3), agree (score 4), and strongly agree (score 5).
Scoring system
The total scores were summed and converted into 3 categories: scores from 100 to 165 indicate positive disposition, while scores from 66 to 99 indicate ambivalence toward disposition, and scores below 66 indicate a negative disposition regarding critical thinking.
The main findings of the present study can be summarized as follows:
• 74.1% of the studied nursing students were exposed to virtual lab experiment between 1-3 times with mean number of exposures to virtual lab experiment was 3.68 ± 1.53 times.
• There is a highly statistical significant improvement in all critical thinking subscale after exposure for virtual lab experiment (p= 0.001**, 0.002**). In addition, there is a highly statistical significant improvement in total critical thinking scale after exposure for virtual lab experiment (p= 0.001**).
• 72.9% of the studied students have negative critical thinking skills before virtual lab experiment compared to 17.2% after virtual lab experiment. In addition to, 6.9% of the studied students have positive critical thinking skills before virtual lab experiment compared to 66.6% after virtual lab experiment.
• There is a highly statistical significant positive correlation between number of exposure to virtual lab experiment and critical thinking skills subscales and total scale. That means frequency of exposure to virtual lab experiment reflected upon the improvement on critical thinking skills subscales and total scale.
Conclusion
This study concluded that use of virtual lab-based learning method improves maternity nursing students’ critical thinking skills. In addition to there is a positive relation between Virtual Lab based learning method use and critical thinking skills of maternity nursing students.
Recommendation
In the light of the findings of the current study the following recommendations for future research and practice can be suggested:
• Incorporating the virtual lab-based learning method use as a new technology teaching strategy in other nursing and supportive subjects.
• Future research can be conducted: - Evaluate the effect of virtual lab-based learning method use on maternity nursing student’s self-efficacy and competency level.