METHODOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF USING VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY TECHNOLOGIES IN PHYSICS EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS OF MEDICAL UNIVERSITIES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/m.2414-5998.2026.3.16591Keywords:
Virtual Reality (VR); Augmented Reality (AR); Medical Physics; medical students; higher medical education; interactive learning; visualizationAbstract
The article examines the role and significance of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies in teaching Medical Physics to students pursuing higher medical education. The relevance of integrating these technologies into the educational process is substantiated as a means of improving the quality of learning outcomes and creating conditions for practice-oriented education without posing health risks to students. The study analyzes the limitations of traditional teaching approaches associated with restricted access to expensive or potentially hazardous medical equipment. It is emphasized that Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are innovative technologies that are fundamentally transforming educational approaches in medicine and pharmacy. The paper demonstrates how interactive VR simulations enable the visualization of complex physical processes and provide a safe environment for developing practical skills without the risk of radiation exposure. It is shown that the implementation of VR significantly enhances student engagement, improves spatial reasoning, and promotes a deeper understanding of theoretical concepts through experiential learning. The study highlights that the integration of Virtual Reality technologies fundamentally changes approaches to teaching molecular biophysics and opens new opportunities for studying the topics of Optics and Laser Medicine. Particular attention is paid to the integration of Augmented Reality technologies into the educational process, as they create new opportunities for interactive three-dimensional visualization and modeling. It is emphasized that one of the most effective applications of AR is the demonstration of the operating principles of ultrasound diagnostic systems. The study concludes that the use of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality technologies in Medical Physics courses enables students to develop accurate mental models of the operation of complex medical equipment. These technologies transform students into active participants in the learning process, stimulate their interest in scientific inquiry, foster clinical thinking, and develop their ability to analyze the physical principles underlying modern diagnostic systems.
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