When I first embarked on this class I had only a shimmer of ideas on how technology could impact my educational presentations. I was standing at the beginning of the technology tunnel not fully aware of how to implement pieces of technology in my presentation. I have found technology to be a breath of fresh air and the light is shining brighter. That light represents the new technology knowledge that I have learned to improve my presentation to students. I am more confident at the computer and motivated to try new technology now then when I first started this class.
I have started to use the power point slides that are provided by the book company with more creativity, by personalizing the slides with my own ideas as well. I'm not afraid to start manipulating the information by adding snippet's of short videos that re-enforce the information. I have become more aware of presenting material in a variety of ways to enhance the learning experience of all the students.I have started to enhance the audio and visual power points with snippet's of visual procedures and including questions in between information sessions to encourage student interaction.
I have started teaching an evening class and the students are coming straight from work to class. This presents a big challenge for me because when the student arrives to class they are already drained from working an eight hour day which leaves very little energy for class.I feel the working student in an evening class needs to be stimulated with more than just lecture, but other exercises that will engage this learner a little bit more. These students need more classroom activities during lecture to engage them more so that they aren't falling asleep. It's been a challenge to teach students in the evening, so I had to come up with different teaching strategies. I have implemented small group where the students are given a case study and the students are more engaged with discussion. This makes lecture not so long and drawn out but breaks it up and keeps the students engaged.
I have found that by introducing web links via short video snippets during lecture this encourages the student to go to that web link on their own and not just look at that video but discover more information on other materials that are being reviewed. I have found that this method helps to keep those students that like computer activities to stimulate them to perform added research on various topics via web sites. For the student that isn't computer savvy this method encourages them to go to the computer without the stress of connecting the first couple of exercises to heavy assignment. This method helps get the student acclimated to computer assignments a little at a time instead of just pushing it on the student without preparation.
The digital portfolio was a big challenge for me. I have prepared the paper portfolio but never attempted the digital portfolio. Learning to manipulate and set-up presentations within the portfolio was really a challenge. Working to develop the portfolio into a finished project was fun but a lot of work. I enjoyed being able to manipulate the background and add and delete information and arrange it another format. Implementing photo's to help emphasize meaning and introduce a section was time consuming but a learning process. I would like to implement the digital portfolio in my curriculum,so that my students can store their work and look back on their progress throughout the year. This portfolio can be used when they are going out on job interviews to display their clinical and theory experience to future employers.
The final group project was a dynamic project working with new technology once again. The group project went much better than the first group project due to being able to communicate more effectively to complete the group project. The members in my group utilized new technology to enhance communication as well ascompliment our group project.The Wiki allowed the group members to work independently on their own individual page and combine the project once the indivduals were done working on their page. The Wiki allowed members of the team to view each others work and give one another feedback to improve the contributions from each one of us.
I would like to include the Wiki as a group project in clinical group projects. The students are assigned a group project to develop a careplan as a group. Each member has to develop their own nursing diagnosis and bring their completed nursing diagnosis to the group. The Wiki could be used to assist communication as well as bringing individual work together to be incorporated as one group project.
The Wiki was easy to work with once I started working with this new technoogy. I will be showing my collegesnot only the Wiki but also other forms of technology learned.I enjoyed this class and have learned much.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Reflection Blog
This class has been a learning experience for me. At the beginning I was nervous about learning so many new things. But now I feel empowered with so much knowledge and the capability of improving my blackboard class. This class has increased my awareness that all students don't learn the same way and in order to meet their needs the instructor should incorporate various teaching modalities to reach various learners. Introducing more group projects to explore topics learned in class gives the student a chance to work through solutions and learn from their peers as well. Small group interaction has allowed students to share how they devise various tools to learn material and this method has been ideal for the students that are loners and don't search out a chance to meet other students within their class.
The experiencing of participating in a live chat was really nice. This was really something I could implement in my blackboard class with discussion board. Right now I use a blog to have students reflect on their learning experience and respond on certain topics that were introduced on the blog. But to have small group sessions in live chat would really be nice. The students could get immediate feedback and a chance to interact with the instructor as well as the other students.
The LPN students who are in the transition RN program had to write resumes and had simulated interviews for perspective jobs. This was nice for the students because it gave them a chance to learn how to set up a resume and how to dress for a perspective interview. The students learned a lot. They received tips on how to dress for an interview and questions to ask during an interview. The students also are beginning to learn how to construct a portfolio. A lot of the students intend to go on to receive their BSN and many programs have implemented this within their programs.
The digital e-portfolio would be a very good project for students to prepare to have when they go on interviews to show their perspective employers and also when they go to other schools for a higher degree. This would be a good project towards graduation that would allow the student to compile all of their individual assignments and group projects. This could also improve the students computer knowledge and skills.
The students that I have really present a variety of challenges as I develop various technological projects as well as various teaching strategies to address various learning styles. I have implemented quizzes on blackboard as well as various assignments that the students have to bring to class and work through the answers in class. Some students work through the problems at home which is what I encourage. The students break off into small groups and work through case scenarios and this seems to work out well. I also have students prepare for exams by working through case studies on their virtual reality clinical disc. Which seems to assist them in answering questions related to case scenarios.
The most recent interaction activity I have introduced to the students is working hands on with a simulation manikin in skills lab. This is acting a live scenario that they have been given on their blog and researched what are the assessments that need to be done in a manner of prioritizing order. The instructor gives the student a chance to view scenarios via virtual clinical scenario on CD then review the skills in their book and come to lab and work through the same scenario with the instructor in a small group.
This technique cuts down on lab time but it gives the student time to research material and prepare better for small group learning. This works out well for the most part but some problems still need to be worked out. I have made sure all my students have various ways to communicate with me when we are out of class. But I have found that I really need to adhere to my office hours for student conferences because the students will come directly to my office after class and don't allow me to take a break after class. Viewing e-mail more frequently has allowed me to cut down on students need to make numerous office visits because the students know that I will return a response to their questions within 24 hours for students this helps a lot.
The experiencing of participating in a live chat was really nice. This was really something I could implement in my blackboard class with discussion board. Right now I use a blog to have students reflect on their learning experience and respond on certain topics that were introduced on the blog. But to have small group sessions in live chat would really be nice. The students could get immediate feedback and a chance to interact with the instructor as well as the other students.
The LPN students who are in the transition RN program had to write resumes and had simulated interviews for perspective jobs. This was nice for the students because it gave them a chance to learn how to set up a resume and how to dress for a perspective interview. The students learned a lot. They received tips on how to dress for an interview and questions to ask during an interview. The students also are beginning to learn how to construct a portfolio. A lot of the students intend to go on to receive their BSN and many programs have implemented this within their programs.
The digital e-portfolio would be a very good project for students to prepare to have when they go on interviews to show their perspective employers and also when they go to other schools for a higher degree. This would be a good project towards graduation that would allow the student to compile all of their individual assignments and group projects. This could also improve the students computer knowledge and skills.
The students that I have really present a variety of challenges as I develop various technological projects as well as various teaching strategies to address various learning styles. I have implemented quizzes on blackboard as well as various assignments that the students have to bring to class and work through the answers in class. Some students work through the problems at home which is what I encourage. The students break off into small groups and work through case scenarios and this seems to work out well. I also have students prepare for exams by working through case studies on their virtual reality clinical disc. Which seems to assist them in answering questions related to case scenarios.
The most recent interaction activity I have introduced to the students is working hands on with a simulation manikin in skills lab. This is acting a live scenario that they have been given on their blog and researched what are the assessments that need to be done in a manner of prioritizing order. The instructor gives the student a chance to view scenarios via virtual clinical scenario on CD then review the skills in their book and come to lab and work through the same scenario with the instructor in a small group.
This technique cuts down on lab time but it gives the student time to research material and prepare better for small group learning. This works out well for the most part but some problems still need to be worked out. I have made sure all my students have various ways to communicate with me when we are out of class. But I have found that I really need to adhere to my office hours for student conferences because the students will come directly to my office after class and don't allow me to take a break after class. Viewing e-mail more frequently has allowed me to cut down on students need to make numerous office visits because the students know that I will return a response to their questions within 24 hours for students this helps a lot.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Reflection of Educational Learning
Nursing and education have evolved with technology. Both of these disciplines have been greatly affected by online instruction. My goal for taking this online course is to learn various new teaching strategies to engage my students. I have learned many new teaching strategies since the beginning of this course. These strategies have helped me to deliver a better presentation of which is better organized and formatted.
The section on learning styles proved to be very useful when developing a curriculum. When implementing various learning activities I started to consider students learning styles and how to incorporate something for each style. By doing the group project it helped me to be able to identify some sources of information that would help identify what activities were available for certain learning styles. I have incorporated web links into my blog that enable the student to view material from other resources to help re-enforce material discussed in lecture. This method is useful for the auditory learner. The virtual clinical exercise allows the learner to visualize clinical scenarios to help the student develop critical thinking skills.
The learning exercise on teaching styles inventory was helpful because it helped me to identify what teaching style I used in my instruction as well to identify my strengths as well as weaknesses. By utilizing this tool I was able to develop a better teaching format to include areas in my curriculum to develop further. I implemented better instructions to follow for clinical exercises as well as for group projects. Making sure the student had available resources to match the written exercises.
As a graduate student my instructor used the teaching format from the constructivism to engage my class through various learning activities. I became very comfortable with this type of instruction but did not know the name for this type of teaching format. The learning environment and teaching tools the instructor uses can hinder or help a student to process information. This type of learning environment allows the student to think out side the box so to speak. It leads one away from a learning environment of control to freedom to become a more active listener and active vocal participator.
The learning environment has changed from the traditional lecture setting to one of online and internet exchange. I am using the teaching style of constructivism with students in an undergraduate program; some of the students have been in their field for more than 15 years. And in the teaching styles inventory it showed I scored high as expert and personal model. Which when teaching generic students in fundamental learning classes that is the teaching style I always use. But with these students I am serving as the facilitator and learning that listening takes a special skill. To be able to learn the skill of an active listener has been a learning experience for me. This role has allowed me to let go of the lecturer role and encourage the students to exchange ideas and build their discussion using web site journals to support their ideas. I was a little uncomfortable with this role at first but now since this course I have become more secure in my role as facilitator.
I found some web sites focusing on the role of the instructor as the facilitator which helped me with this new role adjustment. I’m finding its okay to have silence while students are reflecting on experiences related to the exercise. In my role as facilitator I now have become comfortable with allowing students to interact with each other and being able to intercede to keep the group focused on the discussion topic.
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/oent/Staff/thomas_papers/JEE_final_12_9_07_printing.pdf
The section on learning styles proved to be very useful when developing a curriculum. When implementing various learning activities I started to consider students learning styles and how to incorporate something for each style. By doing the group project it helped me to be able to identify some sources of information that would help identify what activities were available for certain learning styles. I have incorporated web links into my blog that enable the student to view material from other resources to help re-enforce material discussed in lecture. This method is useful for the auditory learner. The virtual clinical exercise allows the learner to visualize clinical scenarios to help the student develop critical thinking skills.
The learning exercise on teaching styles inventory was helpful because it helped me to identify what teaching style I used in my instruction as well to identify my strengths as well as weaknesses. By utilizing this tool I was able to develop a better teaching format to include areas in my curriculum to develop further. I implemented better instructions to follow for clinical exercises as well as for group projects. Making sure the student had available resources to match the written exercises.
As a graduate student my instructor used the teaching format from the constructivism to engage my class through various learning activities. I became very comfortable with this type of instruction but did not know the name for this type of teaching format. The learning environment and teaching tools the instructor uses can hinder or help a student to process information. This type of learning environment allows the student to think out side the box so to speak. It leads one away from a learning environment of control to freedom to become a more active listener and active vocal participator.
The learning environment has changed from the traditional lecture setting to one of online and internet exchange. I am using the teaching style of constructivism with students in an undergraduate program; some of the students have been in their field for more than 15 years. And in the teaching styles inventory it showed I scored high as expert and personal model. Which when teaching generic students in fundamental learning classes that is the teaching style I always use. But with these students I am serving as the facilitator and learning that listening takes a special skill. To be able to learn the skill of an active listener has been a learning experience for me. This role has allowed me to let go of the lecturer role and encourage the students to exchange ideas and build their discussion using web site journals to support their ideas. I was a little uncomfortable with this role at first but now since this course I have become more secure in my role as facilitator.
I found some web sites focusing on the role of the instructor as the facilitator which helped me with this new role adjustment. I’m finding its okay to have silence while students are reflecting on experiences related to the exercise. In my role as facilitator I now have become comfortable with allowing students to interact with each other and being able to intercede to keep the group focused on the discussion topic.
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/oent/Staff/thomas_papers/JEE_final_12_9_07_printing.pdf
class has shown me how to become more comfortable with the computer as well as exposed me to so many new technological resources. Instructors should all be encouraged to build their computer skills and knowledge of new teaching strategies and teaching tools. Younger students are so comfortable with the computer and allowing them to able to use that knowledge in class is great.
Podcast and the whiteboard are teaching tools that can be very effective if used the correct way. I attended a seminar on how to incorporate using the whiteboard in the classroom. I think that this tool offers a lot of flexibility to go to the internet and view short video scripts that you can include in your teaching format. I will have to work with this a little bit more in the class to become comfortable with its usage. Having the technology is great but you must know when to use it and definitely how to use it. But I have learned how to implement color, font size and graphics to attract the learner to information presented. Also using humor in informational handouts helps the student retain learning material, especially when used with simple clichés or pictures.
The technological teaching strategies will indeed improve my teaching format as well as my presentation. I feel that this course has undoubtedly been a windfall of information that I will continue to use throughout my teaching career and continue to build upon. This information will enable me to share with my colleagues some of the technological strategies that I have learned as well.
Podcast and the whiteboard are teaching tools that can be very effective if used the correct way. I attended a seminar on how to incorporate using the whiteboard in the classroom. I think that this tool offers a lot of flexibility to go to the internet and view short video scripts that you can include in your teaching format. I will have to work with this a little bit more in the class to become comfortable with its usage. Having the technology is great but you must know when to use it and definitely how to use it. But I have learned how to implement color, font size and graphics to attract the learner to information presented. Also using humor in informational handouts helps the student retain learning material, especially when used with simple clichés or pictures.
The technological teaching strategies will indeed improve my teaching format as well as my presentation. I feel that this course has undoubtedly been a windfall of information that I will continue to use throughout my teaching career and continue to build upon. This information will enable me to share with my colleagues some of the technological strategies that I have learned as well.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Reflections
At this time I'm using blackboard and web links in my class to keep students engaged as well as to introduce resources to the student. I would like to incorporate more creativity with blackboard to keep the students engaged. I would like to make the f2f and blackboard discussion activities blend more. I would also like to blend the virtual clinical experience with the clinical component as well. My goal is to have the students view a skill from a virtual clipping and come to skill lab more prepared to ask questions and perform with a little bit more knowledge about the skill. A lot of assignments are given to the students via blackboard but making the activity more creative is what I'd like to improve upon.
While putting the group project together I saw how short snippets of information was used instead of long videos to relay information to the student. The web links helped the students to view information that was related to the subject matter and the student could view that web link as many times as they needed. Different activities were used to reach various types of learning styles as well. The use of word search puzzles could be used to help the kinesthetic learner. This is an activity I would like to incorporate into my class activities. This helps to develop problem solving skills and strengthen vocabulary.
While putting the group project together I saw how short snippets of information was used instead of long videos to relay information to the student. The web links helped the students to view information that was related to the subject matter and the student could view that web link as many times as they needed. Different activities were used to reach various types of learning styles as well. The use of word search puzzles could be used to help the kinesthetic learner. This is an activity I would like to incorporate into my class activities. This helps to develop problem solving skills and strengthen vocabulary.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Reflection
I have learned so much in a short time. The group project went pretty well. Having to fit in the time to allow for meetings in the chat room and responding to emails was a lot. But the project was fun. Working in a group project on line is a lot different than f2f class group projects. As the student you have to be prepared and able to carry your part of the group assignment. Time is more important because when you get together on line for group discussion I think that time is designated toward completing what you need to do. Unlike when you meet f2f you allow coffee breaks and idle conversation.
As an online instructor planning classes takes up a lot more time. You have to be organized and able to plan your assignments and your discussion board topics. As the instructor you have to make sure all the instructions for the assignment are clear and that you have spaced out your assignments as to not overload the students. An online class calls for the student as well as the instructor to dedicate at least a minimum of 4 hours at least three times a week. Online class can become overwhelming if you don't plan and keep up with daily postings. I think that I would enjoy an online class that meets at least a couple of times f2f during the course. I need to feel more confident with my online computer skills before I would teach completely online.
As an online instructor planning classes takes up a lot more time. You have to be organized and able to plan your assignments and your discussion board topics. As the instructor you have to make sure all the instructions for the assignment are clear and that you have spaced out your assignments as to not overload the students. An online class calls for the student as well as the instructor to dedicate at least a minimum of 4 hours at least three times a week. Online class can become overwhelming if you don't plan and keep up with daily postings. I think that I would enjoy an online class that meets at least a couple of times f2f during the course. I need to feel more confident with my online computer skills before I would teach completely online.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Nursing and Online Learning
When I look at how far technology has advanced it really amazes me. Computer online courses are being offered more and more. The introduction of technology into the work force has taken many by surprise and they have embraced it with a new sense of ownership. When I look at the younger generation they have adapted to online learning so eagerly. The younger generation has embraced technology and incorporated it into their everyday usage with the use of IPODS, MP3 Players, cell phone and so much more.
Many of the newer nurses coming into the nursing field aren't afraid to incorporate computer task into their routine because many have already taken an online computer class. The more seasoned nurse for the most part, has not had any formal online class. Many of the seasoned nurses are just learning to implement computer entries at work for the first time. Also due to lack of exposure to computer task some nurses avoid online training classes fearing that they would look less competent at their jobs.
With online learning becoming more readily available and user friendly it has allowed individuals to approach this method of learning with a decreased level of anxiety. The introduction of online learning classes allows many individuals many more educational choices and flexibility. More and more nurses are returning to school and becoming more technology savvy. The implementation of online classes in the work setting has helped many nurses adapt to computer learning more readily.
This class will improve my online skills as well as enhance my classroom presentation. Also, this class will help to alleviate my own uneasiness that I feel in developing online assignments. I hope to gain more confidence working with online teaching as technology advances.
Many of the newer nurses coming into the nursing field aren't afraid to incorporate computer task into their routine because many have already taken an online computer class. The more seasoned nurse for the most part, has not had any formal online class. Many of the seasoned nurses are just learning to implement computer entries at work for the first time. Also due to lack of exposure to computer task some nurses avoid online training classes fearing that they would look less competent at their jobs.
With online learning becoming more readily available and user friendly it has allowed individuals to approach this method of learning with a decreased level of anxiety. The introduction of online learning classes allows many individuals many more educational choices and flexibility. More and more nurses are returning to school and becoming more technology savvy. The implementation of online classes in the work setting has helped many nurses adapt to computer learning more readily.
This class will improve my online skills as well as enhance my classroom presentation. Also, this class will help to alleviate my own uneasiness that I feel in developing online assignments. I hope to gain more confidence working with online teaching as technology advances.
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