Evaluating the use of virtual crime scenes to support student understanding of crime scene investigation

Handley, Georgina

Abstract

This project aimed to explore the implementation of a virtual crime scene using the interactive visual platform ThingLink, to support student learning of crime scene investigation. This was necessary to facilitate learning during the national lockdown and subsequent restrictions imposed due to Covid-19. A Level 6 undergraduate Forensic Science module was evaluated, covering two academic years to enable comparison between in-situ based teaching methods and a virtual crime scene replacement. Evaluation of the overall grades found no difference in student performance when year on year assessment grades were analysed. Furthermore, an end of year survey found that whilst the majority of comments regarding ThingLink were positive; finding it easy to navigate and enjoyable, students indicated a strong preference towards solely face-to-face learning for the future and identifying as hands-on learners, preferring to use both observation and personal experience. However, it should be noted that the response rate to the survey was only 19% and this could be reflective of the general trends in student engagement during the pandemic. Further analysis of student engagement remains an area to be more fully explored. Future applications of technology such as ThingLink could still prove beneficial to support a blended style, a deeper learning experience and a more inclusive curriculum though further research exploring the effects on inclusivity and this blended approach should be evaluated now that the pandemic restrictions have been lifted.

Citation

Handley, G. (2023). Evaluating the use of virtual crime scenes to support student understanding of crime scene investigation. The Journal of Academic Development and Education, https://doi.org/10.21252/3fd5-we15

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 1, 2023
• Publication Date: Dec 15, 2023
• Deposit Date: Jan 29, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 29, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Academic Development and Education
• Print ISSN: 2051-3593
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.21252/3fd5-we15
• Keywords: Forensic Science; Virtual Crime Scene; ThingLink; Crime Scene Teaching
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.21252/3fd5-we15