Question

Nursing education is adopting e-learning and simulation experiences for the students. Two junior-level nursing students, Gene and Linda, are discussing the merits of this type of nursing-focused learning.

1. What pros and cons will Gene identify associated with e-learning?
2. How will Linda identify the different types of simulations and the impact they have on nursing education?

Answer 1

The eLearning is defined as a quick way to provide delivery of lessons.When compared to traditional classroom teaching method, this mode is comparatively quick delivery .

Following are the pros and cons associated with e- learning.

Pros

1) Access.- the most useful benefit of e-learning is that it provides access to a wider audience. The process of e-learning can change the way employees are trained and the way employers manage their progress.

2) Low cost. - it is relatively low cost. E-learning doesn’t need paying an instructor, no need to find and pay for a new area to conduct training, and there is no need to to buy any new equipment or books. Thus it can be cost effective.

3) Ease of use. - average person can use the technique on a daily basis, and based on their familiarity with software applications.

4) Tailoring. -The e-learning can be tailored to acess your business need. The e-learning tools can be customized in such a way that works best for the company.

Cons

1)One size doesn’t suit at all.- it is the main disadvantages of e-learning is that it doesn’t appeal to all learning styles.

2) Isolation-The lack of a physical classroom and instructor can lead to frustrating and demotivation for employees.

3) Tech issues. - Even though the e-learning software is user-friendly but the idea of using it may be daunting to some, especially for those employees who don’t have to use computers regularly on their jobs.

4) Lack of control. -Since employees can use e-learning tools at their own pace, there’s a greater chance of risk that they may fall behind or just go through the material without really paying attention.

Simulation-based clinical education is very useful for pedagogical approach that provides nursing students with greater opportunities to train their clinical as well as decision-making skills through varied real-life situational experiences, without compromising the patient's well-being.

Different types of simulation include

1) Virtual patients

2) partial task trainers

3) Human patient simulator

4) standardized patients

5) integrated models

6) screen based/ pc based simulation

The major impact includes with the realistic clinical scenarios, simulation-based educational interventions in nursing can train novice as well as experienced nurses,for helping them to develop effective non-technical skills, practice rare emergency situations, and providing a variety of authentic life-threatening situations.