RT Journal Article T1 Problem-based learning in radiology achieves similar results in classroom and metaverse settings A1 Rudolphi Solero, Teodoro A1 Bajos-Ariza, Fernando A1 Lorenzo Álvarez, Rocío A1 Domínguez-Pinos, Dolores A1 Ruiz-Gómez, Miguel José A1 Sendra-Portero, Francisco K1 Realidad virtual K1 Enseñanza asistida por ordenador K1 Innovaciones educativas K1 Radiología médica - Estudio y enseñanza AB Objectives The metaverse (MV) is a simulated virtual world enabling simultaneous interaction and communication between students, teachers, and colleagues. This study compared a problem-based learning experience in radiology conducted face-to-face in real life (RL) and within the MV.Methods During a radiology clinical rotation, groups of approximately 25 sixth-year medical students participated over 2 years in real life and 2 years in the MV. Each group was divided into eight teams of 3–4 students, each assigned a radiological clinical case for study, presentation, and debate with classmates. Students evaluated other teams, assessed case difficulty, and completed a perception questionnaire.Results A total of 348 students participated in the real-life group and 342 in the MV group, with average teacher evaluation scores of 8.11 ± 1.15 and 7.97 ± 1.54, respectively, showing no significant differences (p = 0.883). No significant differences were found in peer evaluations or case difficulty assessments. Both groups reported positive experiences, with overall satisfaction scores out of 10 points being 7.91 ± 1.32 for RL and 7.54 ± 1.87 for the MV, without significant differences (p = 0.073).Conclusions Problem-based learning activities in radiology can be effectively conducted in the MV, yielding academic results and experiential perceptions comparable to RL. The MV presents a viable alternative to face-to-face learning when in-person problem-based learning activities are impractical or challenging. PB Springer YR 2025 FD 2025 LK https://hdl.handle.net/10630/39565 UL https://hdl.handle.net/10630/39565 LA eng NO Rudolphi-Solero T, Bajos-Ariza F, Lorenzo-Álvarez R, Domínguez-Pinos D, Ruiz-Gómez MJ, Sendra-Portero F. Problem-based learning in radiology achieves similar results in classroom and metaverse settings. Insights Imaging. 2025;16(1):121. Published 2025 Jun 12. doi:10.1186/s13244-025-01987-7 DS RIUMA. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Málaga RD 4 mar 2026