Exploring the student experience of integrating blended learning to crime scene teaching using eXtended reality to complement in situ practical learning

IF 1.8 4区医学 Q2 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Science & Justice Pub Date : 2026-03-01 Epub Date: 2026-02-13 DOI:10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101407

G.E. Handley , S.J. Shemilt , A.J. Jeffery , J.K. Pringle

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Abstract

Forensic Science teaching in higher education requires hands-on investigative field and laboratory skills, especially when aiming to meet accreditation standards. In situ teaching with large cohorts can prove challenging and time intensive. The implementation of virtual learning resources has seen an increase since the Covid-19 pandemic when remote learning was essential. This project aims to explore the application of complementary eXtended reality crime scenes for forensic science programmes as a means of supporting in situ investigative skills through insight into student’s experience of a blended learning approach. Research undertaken was divided into two cycles. The first collected and evaluated staff and student experiences of teaching and learning during the enforced lockdowns due to the pandemic. The second created an eXtended reality reconstruction of an in situ practical crime scene examination to support a blended learning approach. Opinions from both staff and students were sought via a focus group and survey questionnaire. Project findings evidenced the virtual crime scene was positively received, offered flexibility to accommodate a variety of learning styles and catered to individual student needs. Discussion key points centred around authentic learning and student engagement, with caution raised that online resources should not replace the crucial practical skills gained from in situ teaching. Further research into student engagement is needed to explore complexities within this topic. Whilst the survey response rate was low (n = 14; 13.5%), there was still evidence to suggest the virtual scene was enjoyable, easy to navigate and assisted with related coursework assessment. Ultimately, this research provides support for utilising virtual reconstructions in crime scene teaching when complementary to in situ teaching and further offers a model for other researchers to follow.

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探索学生将混合学习融入犯罪现场教学的经验，利用扩展现实来补充现场实践学习

高等教育中的法医学教学需要实践调查领域和实验室技能，尤其是在达到认证标准的情况下。大规模的现场教学具有挑战性和时间密集性。自2019冠状病毒病大流行以来，虚拟学习资源的实施有所增加，当时远程学习至关重要。本项目旨在通过深入了解学生对混合学习方法的体验，探索互补的扩展现实犯罪现场在法医科学课程中的应用，作为支持现场调查技能的一种手段。所进行的研究分为两个周期。第一项研究收集并评估了因大流行而强制封锁期间教职员工和学生的教学经验。第二部分创建了现场实际犯罪现场检查的扩展现实重建，以支持混合学习方法。我们透过焦点小组和问卷调查，向教职员和学生征求意见。项目结果表明，虚拟犯罪现场受到了积极的欢迎，提供了灵活性，以适应各种学习方式，并满足了学生的个人需求。讨论的重点围绕着真实的学习和学生的参与，并谨慎地提出，在线资源不应取代从现场教学中获得的关键实践技能。需要对学生参与度进行进一步研究，以探索这一主题的复杂性。虽然调查回复率很低（n = 14; 13.5%），但仍有证据表明虚拟场景令人愉快，易于导航，并有助于相关课程的评估。最终，本研究为犯罪现场教学中虚拟重建的应用提供了支持，并为其他研究人员提供了一个可效仿的模型。

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来源期刊

Science & Justice 医学-病理学

CiteScore

4.20

自引率

15.80%

发文量

审稿时长

81 days

期刊介绍： Science & Justice provides a forum to promote communication and publication of original articles, reviews and correspondence on subjects that spark debates within the Forensic Science Community and the criminal justice sector. The journal provides a medium whereby all aspects of applying science to legal proceedings can be debated and progressed. Science & Justice is published six times a year, and will be of interest primarily to practising forensic scientists and their colleagues in related fields. It is chiefly concerned with the publication of formal scientific papers, in keeping with its international learned status, but will not accept any article describing experimentation on animals which does not meet strict ethical standards. Promote communication and informed debate within the Forensic Science Community and the criminal justice sector. To promote the publication of learned and original research findings from all areas of the forensic sciences and by so doing to advance the profession. To promote the publication of case based material by way of case reviews. To promote the publication of conference proceedings which are of interest to the forensic science community. To provide a medium whereby all aspects of applying science to legal proceedings can be debated and progressed. To appeal to all those with an interest in the forensic sciences.