week 4 discussion answers

Distance education has many benefits as well as some notable disadvantages. Flexibility, accessibility, and cost effectiveness are among some of the strongest advantages (Mukhtar, et al, 2020). Flexibility is provided because students can complete work on their own schedule. Accessibility is provided to those who otherwise have difficulty accessing education due to impacted schools or physical distance being a prohibitive factor. Cost effectiveness because one does not need to pay for such things as transportation or housing.

Some disadvantages include a lack of clinical supervision, limited hands-on experience as well as limited interaction (Mukhtar et al, 2020). Due to distance learning, there may be a lack of feedback and learning from a lack of in-person instructors. Online learning may enable isolation and does not support collaborative learning and social interaction.

Technology-driven distance learning programs have significantly impacted nursing education by making it more accessible and convenient for students. With advancements in technology, nursing students can now complete online coursework, participate in virtual simulation activities, and communicate with faculty and peers from anywhere in the world. They also  allow nursing programs to provide access to education to a larger and more diverse group of students.

Technology-supported distance education programs are cost effective because they reduce the overhead costs of running an in-person program and can offer lower price points to students (Zavala & Shannon, 2020). They meet desired outcomes by offering  access to the latest technology as well as providing a diverse learning experience due to different viewpoints from faculty from anywhere in the nation. Similarly, faculty can benefit for the same reasons as it allows them to have flexible schedules, engage with a more diverse student population  and learn new teaching techniques due to the plethora of learning tools provided (Halstead & Decker, 2018)

 

Halstead, J., & Decker, S. (2018). Faculty development in distance nursing education: a review of the literature. Journal of Nursing education, 57(7), 385-391. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-201806619/-04

Mukhtar, K., Javed, K., Arooj, M., & Sethi, A. (2020). Advantages, Limitations and Recommendations for online learning during COVID-19 pandemic era. Pakistan journal of medical sciences, 36(COVID19-S4), S27–S31. https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2785

Links to an external site.

Zavala, K., & Shannon, R. (2020). The impact of technology on nursing education. Nurse Education in Practice. 42, 102673. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2019.102673

Due to the pandemic, distance learning has become a hot topic. Distance learning has become the new ‘thing’ to ensure that all students gain an education despite being in the middle of a pandemic. Distance learning carries both pros and cons as listed below (The pros and cons of remote learning, n.d.):

Due to the pandemic, distance learning has become a hot topic. Distance learning has become the new ‘thing’ to ensure that all students gain an education despite being in the middle of a pandemic. Distance learning carries both pros and cons as listed below (The pros and cons of remote learning, n.d.): Pros: - Helps build independence - Brings focus back to learning - Easy to get ahead in learning Cons: - Some students do not do well with that much independence - Less opportunity for interaction and collaboration - Can be easy to fall behind

In the last few years, distance learning has become an integral part of the curriculum for many programs. It allows for bigger class sizes and for teachers to work remotely, from different parts of the country. The initial start up of distance learning programs can have higher expenses, but once the program is set in place, the cost significantly drops (Keating, 2015). It can meet those desired outcomes sooner, since there is little limitation to time and space, and helps faculty be more available and have the ability to teach from anywhere.

References Keating, S. B. (2015). Curriculum development and evaluation in nursing (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing Company. 

The pros and cons of remote learning | Huntington learning center :: Huntington learning center tutoring & test prep. (n.d.). Tutoring Services & Test Prep | Proven Results | Huntington Learning Center. https://huntingtonhelps.com/resources/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-remote-learning-2021 

High-fidelity and low-fidelity mannequins are two types of simulation tools used in nursing education. High-fidelity mannequins are complex, life-like models that can copy various physiological responses, such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. These mannequins can have interchangeable parts, such as limbs and organs, and can be programmed to simulate a wide range of conditions and situations. In contrast, low-fidelity mannequins are simpler and less expensive models that do not have the same level of complexity as high-fidelity mannequins. They may not have interchangeable parts and may have limited or no physiological responses (Finkelstein & Brown, 2020).

When developing scenarios for simulation-based training, it is important to follow a conceptual model that incorporates key principles such as active participation, relevance, and feedback. The model should also align with the learning objectives of the simulation, which should be clear, specific, and measurable (Tarpada, et al., 2021). For example, a learning objective for a simulation scenario could be for nursing students to demonstrate effective communication skills when managing a patient in respiratory distress.

Faculty can promote the application of training and evaluation methodologies to simulation learning by providing ongoing support and feedback to students throughout the simulation process. They can also incorporate debriefing sessions into the simulation experience, which allow students to reflect on their performance, receive feedback from faculty and peers, and identify areas for improvement. Additionally, faculty can use assessment tools, such as rubrics or checklists, to evaluate students' performance and provide targeted feedback on specific skills or behaviors (Tofil, et al, 2021).

Finkelstein, C. & Brown, D. (2020). Integrating high-fidelity simulation in nursing education. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 10(1), 40-46.

Tarpada, S., Morris, M., Burton, K., Wilson, S., & Wright, B. (2021). High-fidelity simulation in nursing education: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 11(3), 120-128.

Tofil, N., White, M., Benner, K., & Weirich, P. (2021). The impact of high-fidelity simulation on nursing student knowledge, skill and confidence in cardiac arrest management. Clinical Simulation in Nursing. 54, 13-19.

A high-fidelity mannequin is a broad range full-body manikin that has the ability to mimic human body functions.  Low fidelity mannequin is one that represents a body part, such as an extremity or anatomic structure. Massoth states that the use of high-fidelity simulation led to equal or worse performance and growth in knowledge as compared to low-fidelity simulation, while inducing undesirable effects such as overconfidence. In their study, it was not beneficial compared to low fidelity but was proved to be an adverse learning tool.  When designing simulations, the educator needs to incorporate five features: objectives, fidelity, problem solving, student support, and reflective thinking.  The educator will then need to define the features as it relates to the purpose of the simulation and determine the level of each feature.  

Reference

Massoth, C., Röder, H., Ohlenburg, H. et al. High-fidelity is not superior to low-fidelity simulation but leads to overconfidence in medical students. BMC Med Educ 19, 29 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-019-1464-7

Jeffries, P. ([Insert Year of Publication]). Simulation in Nursing Education: From Conceptualization to Evaluation (2nd ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health. https://online.vitalsource.com/books/9781469817712