Over the past ten years, technology has continued to be integrated into the healthcare system with progressive modernization and advancements. The increasing use of technology in nursing education ensures that learners are sufficiently prepared to deliver safe, competent and evidence-based practice. Over the years, educational institutions have invested in technological equipment and are always looking for ways to adopt innovative teaching strategies.
The idea is that technology improves student accessibility to quality learning, reducing costs while eliminating geographic barriers. Some technologies that support nursing education include e-books, mobile phones, simulation learning, tablets, and personal computers. This article examines how virtual reality and technology are transforming nurse education.
Nurse educators are ranked among the top areas when it comes to adopting new tools. According to studies, the past three years have seen a growth in new tools being used to support nursing education. Currently, 65% of nursing trainees use digital simulation, while 50% are expected to adopt augmented reality in the next few years. The gradual adoption of technology has emerged as a response to some of the challenges in the education sector, primarily in terms of access.
Generally, nursing education institutions are becoming more technology-driven, with digital education gaining more and more endorsement. Evidence shows that nursing educators integrate technology faster than in other fields. As a result, online degree programs have improved access to competent education.
Thanks to virtual learning, students from all over the world can now attend the university of their dreams without having to travel around the world. E-learning programs hold immense potential for the future education of nurses. Students can also benefit from professional support nurse writing services.
Gamification of learning enables apprentice nurses to act in response to mimicked clinical environments and adopt required procedures and tools. As a result, tech companies have invested heavily in simulation technology to help trainee nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Embracing game-based learning is sure to have benefits. Gamification of nursing education allows educators to capture and hold students’ attention. The tools also encourage students to develop transferable skills such as innovation, critical thinking, and better knowledge retention. Most importantly, gamification allows students to practice their skills in a risk-mitigated environment.
- Simulated learning environments
Another way technology is likely to shape nursing education in the years to come is through simulated teaching settings. According to research, nursing educators are already using simulations in the form of training manikins. Teachers can program these simulations to mimic clinical scenarios. This way, students can make important decisions and perform procedures without fearing for the patient’s life. Instead, they use the dummy’s symptoms to decide on the best clinical intervention.
Simulations provide a safe and realistic environment for students to practice their decision-making skills. It is important to remember that while manikins require students to be practically present in the clinical setting, virtual realities are available to online learners. For example, the technology allows for on-screen simulations.
Mobile technology is another way technology is shaping nursing education. According to experts, mobile technology in educational institutions allows students to access information on drug referrals and diagnoses. Students can also enhance their learning with accessible e-books and study apps. There are also great guides that learners can access on their smartphones and tablets.
Mobile technology also allows for improved scheduling, which is crucial for nursing students juggling work and study. Understand that learners encounter many counter-productive and unforeseen situations on a daily basis. Students can use technology to plan their days and improve their time management skills.
Nursing students are also likely to benefit immensely from web-based streaming technology. Additionally, educational programs can benefit from real-time television and web-based streaming services. These options allow nursing education providers to improve the delivery of their services to more students without changing their physical structures.
Students taking digital courses can use these courses to feel more connected to their peers and build meaningful relationships. Additionally, streaming services allow students to stay in touch with their educators and help learners develop feelings of caring.
Technological and computer-generated simulations have many advantages for nursing education. For example, the Internet of Things improves the efficiency of operations and creates opportunities for collaboration. On the other hand, the colleges benefit from the reduced procedure and the redundancy of the tests. Additionally, they can take advantage of electronic health records to improve information sharing and improve care coordination.
The bottom line is that nurse education programs differ in terms of technology and new technologies are being introduced every other day. However, it is undeniable that the future of nursing education will come with more innovative technologies to improve efficiency and improve learning outcomes.
