While other guides provide insights into the VCE™ platform's functionality, this section is tailored to the student experience, focusing on how to effectively participate in virtual clinical sessions. This guide will help you understand the structure of a session and offer practical advice on how to prepare, engage, and learn during these sessions.
Preparation for the session
Review the session details
Before the session, ensure you understand the objectives and have reviewed any pre-learning materials provided. Familiarise yourself with the session's structure and expectations.Check your equipment
Ensure that your computer, camera, microphone, and internet connection meet the required standards. Conduct a quick test of all equipment to ensure everything works correctly, and make sure your devices are fully charged or plugged into a power source.
Tip:For detailed specifications, refer to the 'for students' sections in the hardware and connection requirements guide, to ensure your setup is ready.
Prepare your environment
Choose a quiet, private space with a plain, distraction-free background. Good lighting is essential, and make sure that you won't be interrupted during the session.Final checks
Shortly before the session, verify that your internet connection is stable, your camera and microphone are functioning, and you have all necessary materials ready.
Accessing your session
Select the session
On your Dashboard, select the session you wish to join. This will take you directly into the session.Accepting a session invitation
If you receive an invitation to a session, accept it either from your dashboard or via the invitation email to join the session.
Alternative access method: joining via email invitation
Receive an email invitation
You will receive an invitation to join a VCE™ session from your clinician via email.Troubleshooting:If you don’t see the invitation email in your inbox, check your spam folder. If the invitation email is indeed in your spam folder, make sure to mark it as not being spam.Accept the invitation
Click the “Accept” link in the email, log in to the VCE web app, and then click “Accept Invitation” on the session information page.Final access
After accepting the invitation, the session will appear on your dashboard, and you can access it by selecting the session.
Participating in the Session
Introduction phase
This phase allows you to connect with the clinician and other students. Use this time to get comfortable with the platform and ensure that all your technical setups are functioning correctly. Engage in any discussions and make sure you understand the expectations for participation during the session.
Consultation phase
During the live consultation, observe the interaction between the clinician and the patient. Depending on the session's structure, you may be invited to take on roles, ask questions, or participate in decision-making processes.
You can always ask questions to the clinician or facilitator as discussed during the introduction.
If the clinician is busy, use direct chat messages during the consultation.
You can also chat with fellow students; these messages won’t be seen by the clinician during the consultation.
Use the "raise hand" feature to indicate that you have a question.
In some cases, there may be a facilitator involved in the chat to help manage interactions.
Tips for optimal learning experience:
Engagement
Stay engaged throughout the session. Participate actively, whether it's through asking questions or engaging in discussions.Professionalism
Maintain a professional attitude throughout the session. Ensure that your camera is on, and you are in a quiet, private space with no distractions.Feedback
Use the debrief phase to ask for and give feedback. This will help reinforce what you've learned and improve your future performance.
Debrief phase
The debrief phase offers an opportunity to reflect on the session. This is your chance to ask any questions you might have, engage in discussions with your peers, and receive feedback from the clinician. Reflect on the session's objectives and your performance to enhance your learning experience. After the session, you will be asked to reflect on your experience. For more detailed guidance on this, refer to the 'After a session: proof of attendance and learning' guide.
If you need further assistance, you can:
Use the support tool (bottom right) in the VCE™ web app to ask a specific question. It has many more solutions for you.
If you don’t find what you need, send us a message through the same tool.