Purpose
This study explores how immersive simulation-based learning affects nursing students’ engagement, motivation, satisfaction, self-confidence, and knowledge gains in anatomy education.
Methods
A quasi-experimental study was carried out from January to February 2025 among nursing students. A total of 76 participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: an experimental group receiving immersive simulation (n=38) and a control group following traditional instruction (n=38). A pre- and post-intervention test framework was implemented to evaluate changes in student engagement, motivation, satisfaction, self-confidence, and knowledge acquisition. Data analysis was done through non-parametric tests, specifically the Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with IBM SPSS.
Results
The immersive simulation group demonstrated significant improvements in motivation (Z=–4.407, p<0.001), engagement (Z=–3.555, p<0.001), knowledge acquisition (Z=–3.213, p=0.001), and self-confidence (Z=–2.054, p=0.040) compared to the traditional method group. Nevertheless, the difference in learning satisfaction between the two groups was not statistically significant (Z=–1.660, p=0.097).
Conclusion
These findings indicate that immersive simulation has a positive effect on nursing students’ motivation, engagement, self-confidence, and knowledge acquisition. While satisfaction levels were comparable between groups, immersive simulation presents a valuable complement to traditional teaching methods and may help address educational challenges in healthcare training.

Purpose
Learning motivation is an important factor in the teaching learning process in a digital environment. This study aims to examine self-determined motivation levels and associated factors among health professions students in distance learning activities.
Methods
A cross-sectional, analytical, quantitative, multicenter study was conducted among health professions students from February 15, 2022, to July 31, 2022. Students’ self-determined motivation was assessed using a self-administered instrument. It consisted of 16 items categorized into four dimensions: intrinsic motivation, external regulation, identified regulation, and amotivation. It was based on 7-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). Student engagement was examined using 15 items classified into the following subscales: behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement. A correlation between student motivation and engagement was performed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with students’ self-determined motivation in distance learning activities.
Results
Of 1,121 students invited to the study, 1,061 valid questionnaires were received, giving a response rate of 94.6%; 595 participants (56.1%) were self-determined in distance pedagogical activities. Multiple regression analysis showed that ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.08–0.73; p=0.012), educational level (aOR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.16–2.34; p=0.005), distance learning environment (aOR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.19–2.29; p=0.003), and student engagement: (aOR, 2.9; 95% CI, 2.21–3.80; p<0.001) were the significant factors associated with students’ self-determined motivation in distance learning.
Conclusion
This study predicted some factors influencing students’ self-determined motivation. Health professions teachers need to be encouraged to adopt effective pedagogical practices in order to maintain and develop student motivation.