Technology can significantly help nursing students learn the complexities of nursing practice or act as a source of frustration that takes valuable time away from education. Here is a brief look at some of the technologies in use in nursing education, the impact of AI, and practical tips for using educational technology effectively.
Tech in Use
Technologies advancing nursing education include simulations and virtual reality. “Simulations are a cornerstone in nursing education, offering students a risk-free environment to practice clinical skills and make critical decisions,” according to Sandra Russo, PhD, RN, director of the nursing program at Touro School of Health Sciences. She notes that the simulations at her school involve high-fidelity mannequins, standardized patients, and scenario-based learning that closely mimic real-life situations.
According to Russo, virtual reality creates immersive scenarios, and its ability to provide repetitive practice in a controlled environment ensures that students are well-prepared for various clinical situations. Virtual reality has the advantage of engaging students in multiple locations in one virtual environment, notes John J. Gallagher, DNP, RN, CCNS, CCRN, professor/clinical nurse specialist, program director for simulation strategy and innovation, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University. This eliminates barriers related to travel to a specific location, he suggests and can support interdisciplinary education hampered by differing schedules and sites.
Russo notes that other technologies include mobile apps, games-based learning platforms, and in-class participation tools such as clickers.
AI Arrives
Today, educators are beginning to see AI used in high-fidelity simulation, where AI can provide a dynamic learning experience based on a student’s action, notes Shermel Edwards-Maddox, PhD, RN, CNE, RN-BC, clinical assistant professor, Andy & Barbara Gessner College of Nursing, University of Houston. From a faculty perspective, she notes, AI can be used to help write case studies and simulation scenarios, help develop NCLEX-style exam questions, and aid in plagiarism detection.
AI can save time with specific tasks such as creating forms, course descriptions, checklists, and evaluations. Still, according to Gallagher, it has significant limitations in performing functions such as critical analysis and comparison of ideas/concepts. Appropriate integration of AI into coursework is essential to prepare students to use this tool, according to Gallagher, while setting limits on its use in completing assignments. AI isn’t without its challenges, agrees Maddox, who warns of its potential to facilitate academic dishonesty.
Practical Guidance
When it comes to deciding whether to use technology, educators need to ask the question, “Why use this technology over a different method?” according to Kate Lindley, MSN, RN, CHSOS, CHSE, national simulation director at Rasmussen University. Sometimes,” she notes, “simple tools can be more effective than high-tech solutions.” Basic simulations, for instance, might be more suited for teaching fundamental skills, while advanced VR scenarios can be used for complex clinical situations.
Educators need to align technology with educational objectives and allow it to complement other teaching methods, notes Jenna Sissom, MSN-Ed, RN, assistant professor, school of nursing at Lipscomb University. “More technology does not equal more learning,” she says.
“Take one piece of technology at a time,” suggests Maddox. She notes that using the department’s instructional designer can be a way to get nursing faculty familiar and on board with using technology.
“Faculty do not adopt new technology easily,” notes Sunny G. Hallowell, PhD, APRN, PPCNP-BC, associate professor and nurse practitioner, Villanova University. She notes that faculty and students have to succeed in the basic operation of technology before they can become comfortable using it for learning. Faculty must “clearly articulate the learning objectives to be achieved by using a new technology, rather than to apply an innovation because it is new,” she says.