NR 512 Week 3 Discussion: Virtual Learning Environments
Virtual Learning Environments
NR 512
NR512
NR 512 Week 3 Discussion: Virtual Learning
... [Show More] Environments
Online learning is considered a virtual learning environment (VLE); however there are other types of VLE that you may have used or heard about. Please discuss one of the following VLE’s and your experience with using it:
• Virtual simulation
• Edutainment
• Three dimensional virtual environment or world
• Augmented-reality games (ARGs)
• Virtual Reality devices
Then discuss how you, as the advanced practice nurse, would use this in your practice.
ANSWER
Edutainment is combining education and entertainment together in a virtual environment focused on learning (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2018). It is a way to make learning fun and reach more audiences. I have participated in edutainment as a nurse. In order to practice rhythm strips for ACLS recertification, my coworkers and I would play online games with rhythm strip trivia competing against one another for points. It was a nice way to make learning fun for us. Also, there are some nursing instructional videos on YouTube that I have found to make nursing education fun and easier to remember, such as cardiac medications made easy (Shoon, 2017).
Video games have become increasingly popular over the last 30 years and it is only fitting that education evolve to include electronic and virtual learning, incorporating video games. I believe this is one way to increase enrolment into nursing schools and interest in the professional in general. If our children now are interested in video games and technologically advanced, why not direct education towards edutainment and other virtual learning environments (VLE). People playing video games have an understanding of how the game works and what the rules are or implicit understanding. Because of the implicitness, edutainment can lead to deeper understanding on the subject or theme (Jarvin, 2015). We have seen in our lifetime that education has evolved from classroom based to on-line learning. It is imperative that we continue that evolvement of learning with use of VLE’s to keep up with technology.
As a future FNP, I believe that edutainment can assist in clinics with patients better understanding of vaccinations and diseases processes. My way to incorporate education and “fun” learning in my practice is to find some way to have a computer or Ipad in each patient exam room and the waiting room. This computer or ipad will have touch screen capabilities and games loaded. These “games” will be trivia or role-playing game (RPG) based learning where the player will have to participate by click on choices and there will be health related consequences with each scenario.
References:
Jarvin, L. (2015). Edutainment, games, and the future of education in a digital world. New Directions for Child & Adolescent Development, 2015(147), 33–40. https://doi-org.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/10.1002/cad.20082
McGonigle, D. & Mastrian, K. (2018). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (4th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett.
Shoon, J. (2017). Cardiac meds made easy [video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyKJDzrfnys
Instructor post:3/22
Class, I enjoyed reading your thoughts on VLE. It seems that with the advances in technology in education also comes with the expectation of a slight bit of entertainment with learning. Nursing education has taken advantage of technology to open minds with new thinking and action, discoveries to stimulate critical thinking. Can we ever go back to lectures in classrooms? With many of our new technologies in place, do you think that there is an expectation of entertainment along with education in nursing? What are some examples of edutainment that could be used for student, staff, or patient education?
I am personally thinking that lectures will remain both in the classroom as well as online with the use and advancement of technology. I, myself, enjoy TED talks online and feel they are a great platform for education. I feel that society wants entertained and most of the time a good speaker makes the audience laugh, at least once. With regards to nursing education, if we want to increase enrolment into nursing schools, we must think about society and what is generally accepted. Since online education has become so popular and mainstream, less students are enrolling in colleges and attending in class, they are now able to attend a school that may be far away from their home or have no “physical” location. Most of our day is spent in front of some sort of electronic device. This is mainly watching a show, YouTube video, playing a video game. All these are forms of entertainment, so I would conclude that nursing education should involve entertainment to some degree to keep students interested. Also, with many online nursing schools available, they must think about how to compete with each other for enrolment.
Peer post:3/21
Jeff, I enjoyed reading your post and instructor response. I too have had experience with simulations but feel a little old fashion because I am more comfortable during a real-life code. I am the student in ACLS recertification that freezes up when the instructor is speaking through the mannequin and simulating a scenario. However, I will not be working as a bedside nurse forever and know that we need more people going into nursing and healthcare to replace us as we age and retire. I am certain that the younger population get more out of the simulations than I personally do because they are more accustom to VRL’s. I was pleasantly surprised with my first experience with online learning. My first bachelor’s degree was accomplished the traditional route with classroom-based lectures and exams in person. My second bachelor’s was online, and I was terrified. Obviously, now that I am working on my masters online, the second bachelor’s was a success, but it took a semester or two to get used to the entire process. I learned to enjoy recorded lectures in my pj’s instead of late nights after work in a classroom. [Show Less]