As you come to the end of the virtual simulation process, researching the impact of the overall experience is important to develop, generate, and share new knowledge. Research is essential to building evidence-based practice, as well as advancing pedagogy. Conducting research studies on your virtual gaming simulation, using a variety of methodologies, will enhance and build upon the body of nursing science. The knowledge gained can be implemented to improve clinical practice and client health outcomes.

There are various ways to research your experience throughout the development process that can focus on the prebriefing, enactment, or debriefing phases. Your virtual gaming simulation learning outcomes can provide you with guidance when developing potential research questions.

Research Topic Ideas: Prebriefing, Enactment, and Debriefing

Listed below are examples of research topics and articles to help you to begin to generate ideas for your future research in virtual gaming simulation.

As you explore different ideas and potential questions for your future virtual gaming simulation research, consideration should also be given to your research team. As discussed in Chapter 1, incorporating equity, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI) is essential when creating both your virtual simulation and research team.

Consider the following questions:

• Do you have funding to finance your research project?
• What methodology will best answer your research question?
• Who will be part of the research team? (e.g., educators, content experts, students)
• Do you have funding to hire student research assistants or provide an honorarium for their time?

Including students within research projects enhances the research, provides them with exposure to the different types of nursing research, and assists them to build their knowledge and skills for their future nursing practice. Students may apply for a research assistant position through a volunteer position or job posting at the academic institution, or seek out opportunities by connecting with individual educators within their programs. With the addition of students to your team, it will begin their journey of contributing to their professional field and fostering their professional identity.

There are various internal and external funding opportunities to support your research through grants and scholarships. Many post-secondary academic institutions offer support by funding research and offer course release time.

At Centennial College, the Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Services (ARIES) offer research funding to support educator teaching and learning projects. In conjunction with ARIES, the Centre for Faculty Development & Teaching Innovation (CFDTI) also offers a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) research fund which focuses on the theme of “fostering student engagement and promoting high impact learning experiences.” Both research initiatives promote the hiring of student research assistants to build capacity for future scholars and researchers. Contact your institution’s research department for additional support to find internal and external resources.