What is studying at the School of Education like when you live abroad? Our recent Doctorate in Education (EdD) graduate, Dr Timothy Lai, reveals what studying for his degree while living in Hong Kong was like, and dives into his groundbreaking research into how virtual reality (VR) can impact the learning of nursing students.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I am a nurse by profession in Hong Kong and have been an educator of nurses for over 10 years at a university here. I am interested in technology and would like to apply it in teaching.
Why did you choose to study for your EdD at the School of Education, University of Bristol?
I want to build my knowledge and skills and develop educational research to enhance my personal profile. The University of Bristol is one of the prestigious universities in the UK, offering an excellent doctoral program in education.
What has been your favourite thing so far about studying with us?
The passion for teaching at the University of Bristol has been the most enjoyable aspect of this program for me. I feel the staff at UoB are dedicated to preparing high-quality educators to meet the needs of the field. Their passion for teaching inspires me to become a better teacher.
How did you decide on the topic for your doctoral thesis; ‘The Effects of Virtual Reality Learning on Nursing Student Non-Technical Skills Development: A Quasi-Experimental Study’?
The inspiration for my thesis topic emerged from a blend of personal experiences and academic encounters. As a nurse in Hong Kong, I spent several years providing direct patient care, which gave me first-hand insight into the daily challenges and demands of the profession. Later, I transitioned to academia, joining a university to teach and prepare students to become licensed nurses.
From my observation and experience, I noticed that students tend to focus more on developing direct physical skills, such as administering medication and handling wounds. While these technical competencies are undoubtedly crucial, there is a growing expectation for healthcare professionals to excel in non-technical skills as well. Effective communication, teamwork, and critical thinking are increasingly recognised as essential components of high-quality care.
Upon reflecting on our current teaching practices, it seems that we spend more effort on training students’ technical skills, possibly because they are easier to evaluate. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic taught me a valuable lesson and prompted me to reflect on our current nursing training methods. We have heavily relied on actual clinical practicum to train our students. However, unforeseen circumstances, such as the pandemic, can restrict access to clinical practicum venues for students. In such situations, technology can provide an alternative means for students to practice their skills.
Research supports the concept that non-technical skills are vital for maintaining safe practice and delivering high-quality care. This realisation led me to explore how we can better integrate the teaching and assessment of these skills into nursing education. My thesis aims to address this gap by investigating strategies to enhance non-technical skills among nursing students, ultimately contributing to the development of well-rounded healthcare professionals.
Can you tell us more about what you uncovered through writing your doctoral thesis?
I was pleasantly surprised by the study’s results, as they exceeded my expectations. While the literature review had already indicated the positive effects of VR and simulation on the development of non-technical skills, I was initially unsure if these findings would hold true in the context of Hong Kong. I believed that students in Hong Kong might have a stronger preference for learning and practising in real clinical settings.
However, the study’s findings were encouraging. I was particularly pleased with the positive feedback from the students, who welcomed the use of new technologies to aid in their skill development and preparation for real clinical practicums. This indicates that VR training can be a valuable tool in enhancing their learning experiences and readiness for real-world clinical practice.
Do you have any top tips for our current doctoral students?
Most importantly, we should maintain self-discipline and monitor our own study progress. Studying part-time while holding a full-time job is very challenging, as we may face different issues that need to be handled simultaneously. Try to make the research topic one of your interests to motivate you and enjoy the process. For me, I enjoy playing video games and using technology, so I chose technology as the main theme of my research to make the process enjoyable.
Another tip is to keep close contact with your supervisor with a mutually agreed time schedule. As a part-time research student, you cannot wait for your supervisor to contact you; you should take the initiative and submit your work to your supervisor. This can make the meetings more meaningful.
“The passion for teaching at the University of Bristol has been the most enjoyable aspect of this program for me. Their passion for teaching inspires me to become a better teacher.”
How did you find studying remotely at the School of Education from Hong Kong? Have you ever had a chance to visit Bristol?
I haven’t had the chance to visit Bristol yet, but I would love to! The faculty from the programme are very kind and organised different workshops to support our study development.
Congratulations on successfully defending your doctoral thesis! What are your plans now that you’ve achieved your EdD?
I plan to continue developing the VR system to support students and plan other educational research in this area.
What would you say to other students considering studying for their PhD at the School of Education, University of Bristol?
The University of Bristol is a great place to pursue your future studies. They provide a lot of support, online resources, and learning tools to help students succeed.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us Timothy! We can’t wait to see what you achieve in the future!
Find out more about our doctoral programmes on our School of Education webpages.
