Creative Interactive Use of Technology in the Classroom

            

            As we enter the world of nursing education in the 21^st century, there are numerous technological teaching strategies available to us that we can use to provide optimal opportunities to our students. Educators can use the many technological tools to present content in interesting ways and choose activities to allow students to apply their knowledge and skills. With a variety of assignments, resources, and activities available, teachers are able to address the needs of all students with diverse learning styles.

            Contrary to nursing education in the past, technology will serve as a major part in creating a learning environment that is active, innovative, and meaningful. Students will be more successful if they are engaged in the material and are actively participating in their own learning. In order to develop higher levels of thinking, clinical judgement, and critical thinking, students need to do something with the content they learn. This includes applying the learned content to realistic situations rather than simply listening to a lecture or participating in rote memorization. Technologies can be used as an effective method for student learning and make this application of the material more valuable.

            As I reflect on the educator I am becoming, I know I will focus my teaching approach on the integration of technology. Furthermore, my approach will address the concepts of active, authentic, applied, and experiential learning. In promoting active learning, I will encourage my students to engage in activities which will assist them in their ability to make connections. An example is the use of case studies presented through either PowerPoint or Action Mazes. Glogster could be employed as a teaching strategy for authentic learning as it gives students the opportunity to create a project that can be utilized in the real world. In ensuring the inclusion of applied learning in my teaching, I will use technologies such as high-fidelity simulations and Second Life in order for students to apply their knowledge and skills to real world situations. Lastly, strategies such as Blogger, digital storytelling, and Weebly, endorse experiential learning as students are able to reflect and gain meaning on the application of their knowledge. By utilizing various technological strategies, such as these, throughout my teaching, I will be providing a learning environment that focuses on active, authentic, applied, and experiential learning. Additionally, these strategies demonstrate how I will make learning real for the students and how I will consider their needs and learning styles in choosing the strategies to be used.