Scaffolding digital clinical environments and contextual learning as preparation for active learning strategies

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Shelley L Cobbett

Dalhousie University, Canada

: J Nurs Patient Care

Abstract

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Assigned prior to class readings are an integral part of most post-secondary courses. Inherent in the use of prior to class readings is an assumption that students have the skill and ability to distinguish what is salient and what is not when they are preparing for class. Is this a fair assumption with students who are learning new information? Perhaps more importantly, is this best pedagogical practice? Over 70% of students do not complete required to class readings making active learning to achieve higher level cognitive work difficult to implement when students are not prepared for application of the content. This presentation will showcase how one nursing curriculum is maximizing use of a digital clinical environment (DCE) and online contextual learning to prepare students for active learning in the face-to-face environment. Participants will meet Tina Jones™, our virtual patient, and view how we have integrated the use of this DCE to enable students to arrive fully prepared for active learning related to history and health assessment. Our use of “class passes” will be highlighted as an exemplar of providing direction to novice learners related to the salient aspects of information that they are to acquire, leading to significant, interactive learning experiences. Secondly, the use of safeMedicateTM will be highlighted as to how medication administration and dosage calculation knowledge, skills and abilities are scaffolded throughout the program. Lastly, student and faculty evaluations will be shared with suggestions for future improvement.

Biography

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Shelley L Cobbett, a Registered Nurse, completed her Doctoral studies in education in 2006. She has been a Nurse Educator for almost 30 years with expertise in curriculum development and evaluation, both in the face-to-face environment and online. She is the Curriculum Development and Implementation Lead for a new innovative BScN Degree program. The majority of her research is focused on nursing education and pedagogical best practices.