Hochschule Campus Wien

Austrian Canadian Virtual Simulation: a bridge to inclusive mobility

A virtual simulation enables nursing students from Canada and Austria to access international exchange in an inclusive and low-threshold way.

Online Debriefing of a virtual simulation

Objectives

The aim of the AC-vSIM project is to provide nursing students from Canada and Austria with low-threshold, inclusive access to international exchange—regardless of financial, familial, or geographical barriers. The focus is on underrepresented student groups who are often not reached by traditional physical mobility formats. The virtual format enables them to gain international experience without having to leave their everyday realities. Participation requires neither travel expenses nor extended absences from home, making it particularly accessible. The didactic design combines asynchronous preparation via Moodle with a synchronous virtual debriefing (PEARLS model) in mixed groups of students and simulation-experienced faculty from both countries. This structure offers flexibility while fostering intercultural competencies, digital collaboration, and professional exchange. Students discuss nursing practices in both countries and in international comparison, reflect on cultural differences, and strengthen their communication and teamwork skills. In the long term, the project aims to integrate these formats permanently into the curriculum and to deepen collaboration with Mount Royal University (MRU). In addition to the virtual implementation, physical staff mobilities have already taken place—both outgoing and incoming. This type of mobility is a key instrument for the internationalization of teaching and complements the virtual format with a physical component. It has also led to the development of ideas for further joint teaching formats in the field of simulation. Strategic goals of FH Campus Wien—such as internationalization, digital transformation, diversity, and social permeability—are actively addressed in the project. AC-vSIM thus makes a sustainable contribution to the internationalization of teaching and learning in the spirit of an inclusive curriculum.

Background

The origin of the AC-vSIM project dates back to international networking at the 8th International Nurse Education Conference in 2022 in Spain, made possible by FH Campus Wien. During the conference, results from the research project “TEAM SIM” on interprofessional simulation in healthcare education were presented. This led to contact with Canadian simulation experts and the idea of future transatlantic collaboration. Initial virtual meetings took place in spring 2023 and soon developed into regular monthly online sessions. The goal was to collaborate in the field of healthcare simulation in both teaching and research, and to develop a joint educational project that would offer students from both institutions low-threshold international learning experiences. Over several months, various virtual simulations were reviewed via the CAN-SIM platform. A suitable simulation in the field of long-term care was selected and its applicability for the German-speaking context was first tested in the course “Clinical Nursing Research” during the summer semester of 2024. In March 2024, with support from the International Office of FH Campus Wien and within the framework of an Erasmus+ Staff Mobility, a visit was made to Mount Royal University and the KidSIM Center in Calgary. There, faculty from FH Campus Wien participated in peer debriefing training and worked on the research proposal for the AC-vSIM project. In autumn 2024, the project idea for AC-vSIM was finalized: a joint Moodle course was created, instructional videos were produced, and an online questionnaire for accompanying evaluation was developed. On the recommendation of the AC-vSIM project team, the Canadian partners were also invited as keynote speakers for an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program at FH Campus Wien. The AC-vSIM project officially launched in January 2025.

(Implemented) Activities

2022: International networking with Canadian simulation experts at an international conference lays the foundation for future collaboration. 2023: Regular virtual planning meetings between faculty from FH Campus Wien and Mount Royal University (MRU) in Calgary to develop a joint teaching project in the field of virtual simulation in nursing education. These meetings establish the basis for sustainable internationalization in teaching. 2023: Selection and didactic preparation of a suitable virtual simulation scenario in the field of long-term care. 2024: Evaluation of the applicability of the virtual simulation within the course “Clinical Nursing Research” at FH Campus Wien as part of a student project. March 2024: Erasmus+ staff mobility of FH Campus Wien faculty to Calgary, including a visit to the KidSIM Center at Alberta Children’s Hospital and participation in peer debriefing training in the context of healthcare simulation. This physical mobility strengthens the professional expertise of the faculty and ensures the quality of the international teaching collaboration. Summer 2024: Invitation of Canadian partners as keynote speakers for an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) at FH Campus Wien in summer semester 2025, initiated by the AC-vSIM teaching team. The involvement of highly qualified international experts enhances the international dimension and quality of the BIP. Autumn 2024: Development of a joint Moodle course containing all teaching materials (prebriefing, simulation, debriefing link, supplementary resources) for both student groups. The existing Moodle infrastructure enables flexible, location-independent participation and supports self-directed learning. Autumn 2024: Design of an online questionnaire for the accompanying evaluation of the simulation. January 2025: Launch of the AC-vSIM project

Results

The AC-vSIM project demonstrates that virtual simulation can be an effective tool for promoting international learning experiences among underrepresented student groups. Students rated both the experience with the virtual, English-language simulation and the joint debriefing with peers from Canada as highly valuable and perspective-expanding. The combination of asynchronous preparation via Moodle and synchronous, international debriefing creates an innovative teaching format that offers students from Austria and Canada low-threshold access to transatlantic exchange—without the need for physical mobility. For the target group—particularly students with limited mobility resources—the project provides clear added value: it offers international learning experiences without the need to travel, is easily integrated into existing curricula, and simultaneously fosters language skills and self-confidence in international academic exchange. In the long term, AC-vSIM can contribute to the sustainable integration of international virtual mobility formats. The transatlantic collaboration is currently being continued through the involvement of Canadian experts in the development of an interprofessional master’s program in simulation at FH Campus Wien.

Lessons learned

< Attending international conferences is essential for building an international network within one’s own research field. < Developing joint international teaching formates requires strong individual commitment, continuous (virtual) exchange between international partners, and support from the participating institutions. < Support through Erasmus+ Staff Mobility programs is crucial for establishing sustainable international relationships. Even if teaching formats are offered virtually, physical mobility exchanges between faculty members are invaluable for building long-term, resilient international partnerships. < Time zone differences between participating countries present a challenge that must be considered when designing international virtual synchronous formats. < Technological infrastructure and access must be coordinated in advance; the Moodle platform is well-suited for international teaching formats. < Small joint international projects can lead to further collaborations in the future.

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