Summary:

In this episode of Acadicus Simulation Pulse Live, Rick Castile, Bill Ballo, and Mitch Luker discuss how to bring external content into Acadicus VR simulations, making the platform even more flexible for educators and learners. They explore importing images, PowerPoint slides, patient charts, and videos into VR, allowing instructors to customize scenarios without needing developer assistance.

The team shares practical strategies for leveraging tools like PowerPoint, Word, and the Windows Snipping Tool to prepare content before uploading it into Acadicus. They also highlight how image displayers, slideshow functions, and interactive elements can help create more engaging, dynamic learning experiences.

Episode Highlights:

• Why Bringing Custom Content into VR Matters:
  • Enhancing Learning: Upload real-world patient charts, x-rays, and medical documents.
  • Customizing Scenarios Quickly: Update training environments without extensive scene modifications.
  • Making Content More Accessible: Adjust size, placement, and interactivity for student engagement.
• Step-by-Step Guide to Importing Custom Content:
  • Save images/slides as .PNG or .JPG files.
  • Use the Windows Snipping Tool to grab screenshots of patient records, medical devices, or teaching materials.
  • Store files in the Documents → Acadicus → Media Import folder for easy VR access.
• Examples of Using External Content in Acadicus:
  • Medical Training: Upload ABGs, chest x-rays, and patient MARs directly into scenarios.
  • Architecture Education: Madison College’s architecture students showcased their projects in a VR gallery.
  • Fall Risk Assessments: Nicolet College transformed a basic VR hallway into an interactive hazard ID training zone, including fall prevention videos and assessment tools.
• Tips for Effective Content Integration:
  • Use image viewers for step-by-step clinical decision-making (e.g., vent setting adjustments, medication effects).
  • Leverage interactive markers to let students annotate documents and x-rays.
  • Utilize video elements for short instructional clips, ensuring files remain under 100MB.
  • Set up slideshow sequences to guide students through progressive patient scenarios.
• Common Challenges & Solutions:
  • Choosing the Right Image Viewer: In large scenarios with multiple displayers, use VR mode to easily select the correct one.
  • Overloading Scenes with Media: Even with heavy customization, Acadicus remains performant, but instructors should balance content for smooth experiences.
  • Avoiding Overcomplication: Plan learning objectives first to avoid feature creep—“Be Willy Wonka, but don’t go full Willy Wonka unless you have Oompa Loompas to help.”

This episode provides a clear roadmap for educators looking to maximize the potential of Acadicus by bringing in real-world content, medical records, instructional videos, and interactive learning tools. By making small but impactful content additions, instructors can create more immersive and engaging VR experiences without requiring technical expertise.