EDIT 4300 Gloria's Blog

Week 5

This week was a continuation of last week as we continued to work on the infograph as a class. I know we started off by using the collaborative Google document, but as time went on, classmates started making their own Google draw page, so it got a little confusing as to which one we were using  or putting our codes on. Eventually, I figured it out, but it made me realize that communication is key. Classmates referred to a green box without stating which document the box could be found, so it was just a matter of searching through all the files. 

Week 4

This week, we learned about the International Society for Technology and Education (ITSE). Two statements that really stood out to me while browsing their website was, "As educators, we are preparing students for a future that we cannot yet imagine. Empowering students to become lifelong learners and providing them with the skills to face future challenges resourcefully and creatively is critical."

I think this is very true in every discipline. In nursing, we are always preparing students with the current evidence based practice that is researched, but are training students to be flexible with constant changes. Especially with Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) being used in all acute settings, more changes and upgrades are to come. On a daily basis, I probably scan a dozen barcodes and QR codes prior to administering medications. Each patient is given a QR code and barcode on their ID band upon admission and nurses scan this prior to administering any medications or any blood sugar checks we need to complete.

Also, we truly want students to be lifelong learners and to better themselves within their profession. This week, I attended a meeting and learned that most disciplines are requiring doctorate degrees for entry level positions. New York recently passed a law where the requirement for entry level nurses is to have a Bachelor's degree. Although most new graduate programs in California "prefer" this, it is currently not a requirement. I think it is important to have educators and mentors encourage students to continue their education and better themselves in their profession. I believe technology plays a large roles as one continues their education. Currently, many nursing programs are web based. Lectures, exams, assignments are all proctored through an online system. Communication between students and faculty occurs primarily through email and text. Online programs are very useful, but I think it can be very impersonal if students do the bare minimum to pass the class.

This week, I tried to use the QR code to share a bit about my week. I finally decided to invest in one of these and have had so many fun with my family. Candy is obviously a big jealous and curious.

Week 2

This week, learning theories were discussed. In the MSN program, we were required to take a course called EDFN 5100, which was about Learning and Motivation Theories. Interestingly, most of the theories that were listed on the linked site were covered in that course. This semester, I am precepting with a nurse educator who works in the hospital. While developing my learning contract, I primarily focused on the Bruner's constructionist theory and Knowles' adult education theory. Learning is a life-long process, but nurses seem to be opposed to changes to rise. We are also creatures of habit, so the fight against change is understandable, but with the increased use of technology and the constant upgrades, there are going to be more than less changes in the profession. I wonder if change will ever be easily accepted. Up to this point, I have been indifferent to the technological changes at work and have learned to adapt pretty quickly, and I hope that doesn't change to much as the years go by.