Title of Your Curriculum Technology Proposal
Student Name (First, Middle Initial, and Last)
Western Governors University
Emerging Trends and Challenges in 21st Century Nursing Education
Instructor Name
Month XX, 202X
Executive Summary
Title of Your Curriculum Technology Proposal
Literature Review
Needs Assessment
Need-Gap Analysis
Force Field Analysis Assessment
Change Theory
Conclusion
Rationale and Purpose of Proposal
Filling the Curriculum Gap
Significance of the Proposal
References
| Table 1 | ||||||
| Literature Review Summary Table | ||||||
| First author (Pub year) | Title | Purpose | Context | Findings | Relevance | Strength of evidence |
| LastName (Year) | Example: “Techniques for Writing a Curriculum Proposal Project” | Present the topic, focus, purpose or question that underpins your proposal. | Population of Interest, Description of Setting. | State the key findings that relate to your proposal. | Summary of how this article is relevant to your proposal. | Include the Level of Evidence.
Present a summary of strengths and weaknesses of the article. |
Table 2
Curriculum Technology Need-Gap Analysis
| Current curriculum technology | Desired curriculum technology | Need-gap | Action steps to meet the need-gap |
Table 3
Organizational Readiness for Curriculum Proposal
| Forces FOR
curriculum proposal |
Curriculum proposal | Forces AGAINST curriculum proposal | ||
|
|
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EMERGING CURRICULUM TECHNOLOGY IN NURSING
Kellie Williams
C 922 Revision
Western Governors University
Professor Gail Withers
Executive Summary
Nursing education has significantly been achieving gradual revolution since civilization. The trends and shifts that are incorporated aim towards the provision of sustainable development in the health sector. This is being conducted by applying contemporary technology in giving a new face to the higher education institutions that equip learners with knowledge and skills to be used in health facilities. The proposed e-learning curriculum is meant to bring about the transformation that is advantageous to our institutions. Such benefits include ease of access to the course content and schedule flexibility for student nurses. The need for gap analysis is necessary for evaluating educational activities integrated with contemporary technological skills in nursing. This has synchronized the curriculum in certifying proficiency, achievement, fortification, and excellence in the future of the nursing practice. Force field analysis helps in making decisions resulting from the pressure in the nursing field. It aids in the diagnosis and provision of management strategies on the use of technology. This would therefore be the driving force for the change. Diffusion Innovation theory best describes the momentum at which ideas, behaviors, and products are innovatively changing with time. This, therefore, brings about the needed change in the curriculum. A curriculum needs assessment was conducted to bridge the gap between the old curriculums and the current advanced curriculum. The main aim was to counter the inconsistencies and faults experienced in its implementation to set back the system. The stakeholder did a comprehensive analysis, which was used as a basis for the evaluation process. The findings, through an examination, showed that adoption of the Thinkific platform would upscale the curriculum enriching learners to a complete foundation in nursing education. This is after testing the platform, getting several reviews with extensive usage for over a million students.
Stakeholders’ alignment in implementing Thinkific technology was the core and primary interest of learners as a tool that equips them with current knowledge. Though few technicalities on the part of students, it’s meant to streamline and change the course of learning. This technology is a significant breakthrough that will foresee learners translate clinical theory into practice.
Emerging Curriculum Technology in Nursing
With consistent moves with the world’s trends, technology has revolutionized the way things are done and operated. In nursing, using Thinkific technology in the curriculum has helped breach the gap and solve several emerging issues related to learning. Integrating technology into nursing education has increased know-how and the standard at which problems are solved and handled by medical equipment.
Literature Review
Literature Review Summary table, refer to Table 1.
Technological evolution all over the world led to increased use of digital education technology in all fields of education. Technology has led to significant changes in teaching methods and significant impacts on the learning platforms. Technological platforms have facilitated easy access to academic content and have made distance learning easier. Additionally, these platforms have led to changes in class durations, methods of study, communication strategies, time management, and the format at which educational content is availed. The importance of technology in learning became more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic when social distancing forced educators to use online platforms for the entire learning process (Loureiro et al., 2021).
E-learning refers to the educational method where educators and learners apply information technology and communication to provide and access education programs. There are numerous methods of e-learning depending on the mode of technology used and interactions between learners and educators. The adjunct e-learning model is where technological tools assist the learning process by being part of face-to-face learning in the classroom. The blended model is where online learning is integrated with classroom learning. The last model is the fully-online model where there is no traditional classroom interaction and students independently access learning material and complete all tasks and assessments on online platforms. Instructional methods may vary in e-learning and may include self-assessment questions, discussion boards, and clinical cases. Educators may also provide online lectures or facilitate small-group discussion virtually (Regmi & Jones, 2020).
E-learning has been recognized as part of the education process in health sciences. Technology advancements in healthcare have enhanced the importance of technological skills among nurses and the use of technology in nursing education. Nurses are the key to the introduction of technology in clinical education and practice. Therefore, nurse educators play a critical role in implementing technological literacy. One of the purposes of nursing education is to provide a platform that encourages lifelong learning and to help students be critical and proactive to any form of technological advancements (Nes et al., 2021). Unlike the traditional classroom, e-learning provides nursing students with easy access to information and promotes peer collaboration regardless of location (Harerimana & Mtshali, 2018). Notably, effective e-learning in nursing follows the blended model which combines the benefits of classroom and e-learning rather than just focusing on one learning environment (Regmi & Jones, 2020).
Despite the importance of e-learning in nursing education, many educators and students are not adequately prepared to effectively utilize online platforms to advance their nursing skills.
For instance, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to shut down, many educators who were used to the traditional classroom were not prepared to give lessons virtually. Nursing educators must possess adequate skills to ensure that they can help students meet specific academic requirements via e-learning (Ramos-Morcillo et al., 2020). Additionally, there are concerns that the use of e-learning in nursing has had less impact than intended and that health science education practices have not changed significantly within the past years. Furthermore, there is limited evidence on how e-learning can be used to enhance nursing education including when and how e-learning is more effective (Regmi & Jones, 2020).
Needs Assessment
Need for Gap analysis.
Curriculum Technology Need –Gap Analysis table, refer to Table 2.
Gap analysis is necessary for evaluating educational activity integrated with technological know-how and skills in nursing. Breaching the gap needs identification of the gap between the current state and desired state for the efficiency of service delivery. An example of the gap analysis is when nurses lack know-how in monitoring monitors in checking patients’ progress. Most ICU facilities need techno how in managing them; therefore, they need efficient and reliable skills.
Needs Assessment Process
Anyone working in the clinical and health departments is aware of shortcomings experienced amidst service delivery. The advancements and innovations taking place have become a norm in granting several breakthroughs in diagnostic science and improved patient care. These changes do not come at a cheaper cost. It requires significant funding, with no political indulgence and more of all the government support and stakeholders. The value must quantify these innovations and advancements they have to the hospitals compared to the cost-benefit. Shifting to the technological era with modern equipment and innovative nurses shall be a significant breakthrough towards reaching the vision. It’s only difficult in this approach to measure the patient’s knowledge. Putting these factors aside, technology has witnessed improved service provisions in the corridors of hospitals and medical centers.
Academic Stakeholders
The extensive study of the literature review and most essential searches, a copy of the exact needs of the assessment questions, data acquisition principles, and the interviewing topics was suggested to the critical stakeholders. Academic stakeholders are highly in need of their services in breaching the left gap of technological advancements. To open the list in the Information Technology assistants who are tasked with ensuring data is readily and easily accessed in the comfort of your room. Therefore, any complaints witnessed are worked on before the expiry of the allocated timelines (Bosch & Mansell, 2018). Faculty representatives and heads are also essential. This is to ensure continuous allocation of resources. Students’ role in the realization of success through this exercise is also inevitable. Their role is being accessed in the webinar rooms, and zoom classes are of significant growth. Without students’ effort, the pilot program cannot even reach far in its implementation.
Methods of Collaboration
Improved healthcare inter-professional collaboration is of crucial importance. This has been a strategy for better healthcare reform reforms (Regis College Online, 2021). This interrelation has improved patient recovery rates, decreased mortality and morbidity rates, and optimized medical dosage. Through teamwork, an efficient and satisfactory job is realized. Collaboration refers to the joint effort in offering service where you are not assigned to work. This is like charity work and providing assistance where there is a need. These efforts are aimed at the production of high-quality work with efficient results. An example, in this case, is an expectant mother. When she shows signs of a heart arrest, a cardiac doctor may be called upon in the labor ward to save the situation. Small teams explicitly produce good results.
Current Technology
Due to advancements in technology, nursing has witnessed improvements in service delivery. This has led to both positive and negative feedback. Electronic Health records are among the adopted clear examples. This has digitized in-patients and out-patient records for easy retrieval and submission of results. Portable monitors help nurses check on the patient’s progress when away from the patient. This monitors pulse rate, respiratory rate transmitting data to the central monitor. Wearable devices such as stethoscopes help track the heartbeat, exercise, and sleep at intervals. These trends have eased nurses’ work making it faster, easier, and more efficient. However, with the introduction of these facilities, they have put human life at risk. Patient nurse interaction has reduced a lot. Data stored in machines also pose a risk of being hacked and mishandled. Reduced intake of nurses due to technological advancements is also a challenge in service delivery through the preference of alternative machine work.
Challenges in the Technology
The Challenge of electronic data can be controlled through frequent backups in the cloud. This can be retrieved when hacked. Reduced contact of patient-nurse should be minimized by regular visits of the patient and checking the health status. Reduced intake of nurses can be minimized by a balance in the two or being allocated other roles. Curricular assessment of technology in nursing is not a minor issue. It has brought more success than failure, therefore, comprehensive for the outside consumption. In comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the internet by stakeholders, the beneficial impacts carried the way. Therefore room for improvement is a core target.
Overcoming Challenges
Technology has fostered good growth in our able systems of nursing. Efficient in service delivery and how long one waits in a queue is what is looked at. Other services such as Computerized Tomography(C-T) scan requires advanced technologies to diagnose and treat diseases. With the help of these machines, one can visualize the external and internal body organs. This advancement has made it easier to diagnose infections, locate tumors (cancer), check internal bleeding or injuries and monitor the effective treatment of disease. In the end, it can lead to increased chances of cancer when subjected to children. Another reaction is the contraction of allergies due to iodine as a contrast material.
Force Field Analysis
Force Field Analysis of technology in Nursing
Field Force Analysis table, refer to Table 3.
The force field analysis table describes the forces for and against the use of the Thinkific platform for e-learning among nursing students. The forces supporting the use of the technology include improved access to information, the ability to access their coursework anywhere and at any time, and improved schedule flexibility, especially among students who must complete their coursework and attend their practicum to improve their practice skills. The main factors against the use of e-learning technology include poor ICT skills, resource constraints, technical issues, and the fear of using new technology.
Organizational Factors
The main internal factors that may facilitate the implementation of the proposed emerging technology include the availability of technological resources and support from the administration. Technological resources include both software and hardware required for the successful implementation of e-learning. For instance, educators must access computers to access the Thinkific platform and develop online courses for students. Support from the administration facilitates access to financial and human resources required to implement e-learning technology.
The main external organizational factor that facilitates the implementation of the proposed technology include support from stakeholders such as investors and funders who may support the acquisition of the required technology and ensure all resources are availed. Another factor is access to reliable internet connection and power supply for both students and educators at all times and during all-weather seasons. On the other hand, lack of stakeholder support and unreliable power supply and internet connection especially during winter may hinder effective adoption of the technology.
Forces for Integration
The main forces that support technology integration as mentioned in the force analysis table include improved access to information for students, improved ability to learn regardless of time and location, and improved schedule flexibility for nursing students who need to balance coursework and their clinical rotations. Nurse educators will be able to interact with students via the online platform and share information in various forms including online lectures, videos, and published literature. Students can access their online platforms at any time they wish. Nursing students will easily balance their coursework and clinical rotations due to learning flexibility.
Forces against Integration
The main challenges that will impede the integration of the proposed technology include insufficient ICT skills which may prevent educators from developing effective learning modules and students from fully utilizing the technological tools. Additionally, resource constraints such as poor access to reliable internet especially among low-income students and those living in rural areas may prevent effective utilization of e-learning. Technical issues such as security, data privacy, connectivity, and crashing computer systems are also significant limiting factors. Additionally, the fear of implementing new technology among both students and educators may prevent the effective usage of e-learning tools.
Change Theory for Technological Integration and Adoption
Diffusion Innovation theory is the best that can be used in this work. It is among one of the oldest social sciences methods used. It is used in explaining over some time, ideas and products momentarily gain momentum (Avant Healthcare Professionals, 2019). This, therefore, spread through special populations over time. The ultimate result of this system is that people adopt new ideas, products, behaviors, and innovations in general. From here, as the name suggests, the information is diffused to where it’s lowly concentrated through sharing. Adoption of new ideas, products commonly referred to as innovation, does not happen in the social systems. Rather than this one, it’s more of learning and improving on what others have already read.
Due to the changing norms, things are always subject to change when given room to do so. Although this theory has been used in realizing a lot, it is subject to limitations. There are probably more restrictions to the diffusion theory of innovation. These limits are as follows: Much evidence can’t be cited back from the general public health. This was developed explicitly in adopting new morals or health innovations. Secondly, no participatory approach was conducted during the public health programs. Thirdly, this method can work best when adopted with behaviors rather than ceasing or preventing behaviors. Finally, the theory does not take into consideration the individual’s resources. This could also mean the social support adopted from the new behavior through the innovation process.
In the pilots of this theory, it has been accepted and used in a wide range. These start from social works, public health, communication, and marketing, among others. This can accelerate the rate at which public health programs are applied with the core aim of rectifying some depictable characters of a social system. An achievement in public health programs is based on understanding the population in target and the rapid adoption rate.
Conclusion
The Purpose of the Proposal
The purpose of the Proposal is in equipping students with contemporary skills that entail a lot of information and knowledge. This has helped many in transitioning from the book and class-centered to online learning. It has been of significant benefit before due to a lot of importance. A combination of also internetwork with social media has played a substantial role in educating. This technology has promoted and advocated for rationalism, integration of people, humanitarian support, and personal learning. As this fosters innovation, technology is still under development. New technologies are gradually emerging, bringing upon recent reforms and upgrading the higher institutes of learning,
Filling the Research Gap
The research gap, which is incorporating new technological methods in learning and at the workplace, can be filled by introducing and incorporating new and innovative ideas into the curriculum. With efficient use and complete transformation of technology, it will curb the gap in service delivery and provision of quality services. Developing a research-oriented mindset can also be an effective way of minimizing the gap. It’s through research that new ideas are brought into practice for their effectiveness. Utilizing the available technology opportunities will help achieve students’ satisfaction in their learning process and disseminate the same while in the line of duty executing their roles. This is very important because we are constantly experiencing technological revolutions, so keeping updated is essential in breaching the gaps left.
Significance of the Proposal
The research proposal is essential as it helps provide solutions to the problems faced by students and patients. Health issues are the backbone of human lives. They are considerate at all times by being given the most excellent attention it deserves. Equipping health facilities with modern equipment operated with skilled and qualified nurses will help treat certain kinds of illnesses that require critical care. Research-based ideas are also important also they would find solutions to the overwhelming current problems. Educating nurses would also ensure minimized potential errors that would occur. Students will also be guaranteed a safe environment that facilitates extensive learning and fosters successful nurses.
References
Avant Healthcare Professionals. (2019, September 10). How Technology is Impacting Nursing Practice in 2020. Registered Nurse Staffing and Recruitment Agency. https://avanthealthcare.com/blog/articles/how-technology-is-impacting-nursing-practice-in-2019.stml.
Behavioural Change Models. Diffusion of Innovation Theory. (n.d.). https://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/mph-modules/sb/behavioralchangetheories/behavioralchangetheories4.html.
Bosch, B., & Mansell, H. (2018, July). Interprofessional collaboration in health care: Lessons to be learned from competitive sports. Canadian Pharmacists’ Journal: CPJ = Revue des pharmaciens du Canada: RPC. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4530359/.
Harerimana, A., & Mtshali, N. (2018). Implementing E-Learning in Resource-Constrained Nursing Education Institutions in Rwanda. Research and reviews: journal of nursing and health sciences, 4, 1-14.
Regis College Online. (2021). Importance of Teamwork & Collaboration in Nursing. https://online.regiscollege.edu/online-masters-degrees/online-master-science-nursing/resources/the-importance-of-teamwork-and-collaboration-in-nursing/.
Loureiro, F., Sousa, L., & Antunes, V. (2021). Use of Digital Educational Technologies among Nursing Students and Teachers: An Exploratory Study. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 11(10), 1010. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11101010
Nes, A., Steindal, S., Larsen, M., Heer, H., Laerum-Onsager, E., & Gjevjon, E. (2021). Technological literacy in nursing education: A scoping review. Journal of Professional Nursing, 37(2), 320-334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2021.01.008
Ramos-Morcillo, A., Leal-Costa, C., Moral-García, J., & Ruzafa-Martínez, M. (2020). Experiences of Nursing Students during the Abrupt Change from Face-to-Face to e-Learning Education during the First Month of Confinement Due to COVID-19 in Spain. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(15), 5519. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155519
Regmi, K., & Jones, L. (2020). A systematic review of the factors – enablers, and barriers – affecting e-learning in health sciences education. BMC Medical Education, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-020-02007-6
APPENDICES
Table 1
Literature Review Summary Table
| First Authors(Pub Year) | Title | Purpose | Context | Findings | Relevance | Strength of Evidence |
| (Loureiro et al., 2021) | Use of Digital Educational Technologies among Nursing Students and Teachers: An Exploratory Study | To contribute to the advancement of the teaching-learning process through digital education technology. | The context is the personalization of nursing education and the care process using digital technologies in education | The benefits of digital education tools in nursing include access to information without space and time limits and reduced education costs.
Limitations of digital education include technical difficulties and reduced physical contact. |
This article assessed the perspectives that students and nurse educators have about digital education hence the findings are relevant to nurse educators. | Level of Evidence:
Level VI Strength: The study was completed during the COVID-19 pandemic when many educators were forced to use digital technologies.
Weakness: The study used convenience sampling which reduces the generalizability of findings |
| (Nes et al., 2021) | Technological literacy in nursing education: A scoping review. | To examine research studies on technological literacy in the field of nursing education | Technology use in healthcare has led to the need for technological skills among nurses. There is a need to understand how educational programs facilitate the development of technological literacy among nursing students. | The scoping review identified that there are three themes in technological literacy among nurses: acquisition through diversified learning and simulation, measurement of technological skills through digital competence, and maintenance of technological skills. | The article is relevant to nurse students who need technical skills to perform well in the modern healthcare environment and nurse educators who need to develop curriculums that impart these skills. | Level of Evidence:
Level V (systematic review of qualitative and quantitative study) Strength: analyzed differences in findings among different studies. Limitations: the review protocol was not published. |
| (Ramos-Morcillo et al., 2020) | Experiences of Nursing Students during the Abrupt Change from Face-to-Face to e-Learning Education during the First Month of Confinement Due to COVID-19 in Spain. | To discover nursing students’ learning experiences after the abrupt transition from the traditional classroom to e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. | The COVID-19 pandemic increased the use of e-learning for nursing students. The transition was abrupt for both students and educators. | Nursing educators and students experienced issues associated with selecting effective teaching methodologies, time, and technical difficulties. | The findings are relevant to students and educators who were forced to begin e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. | Level of Evidence:
Level VI Strengths: interviews facilitated access to in-depth information. Limitations: the sample was not representative of the nursing student population. |
| (Regmi & Jones, 2020) | A systematic review of the factors – enablers, and barriers – affecting e-learning in health sciences education. | To identify the barriers and enablers to e-learning in all fields of health science (medicine and nursing included). | The use of e-learning in colleges and universities has gathered more attention due to benefits such as technology utilization and easy access to information. It is important to understand what aspects of e-learning are effective. | The findings illustrated that the enabler of e-learning can be categorized into systematic learning approach, the ability to integrate e-learning to the normal curriculum, and easy access to information. Barriers include resource-intensive, poor motivation, lack of IT skills, and unsuitability for all contents or disciplines. | The study is relevant to students and educators in all health sciences who use e-learning. | Level of Evidence:
Level V (systematic review). Strengths: the study utilized a comprehensive search strategy to access literature for systematic review. Limitations: publication bias
|
| (Harerimana & Mtshali, 2018). | Implementing E-Learning in Resource-Constrained Nursing Education Institutions in Rwanda. | To identify factors that facilitate the implementation of e-learning among nursing students in educational institutions with minimal resources. | As e-learning is becoming common, it is important to consider that some students live in resource-constrained areas. It is important to assess inhibiting factors and find effective ways to address them. | The findings illustrated that the main factors inhibiting the use of e-learning include lack of sufficient IT literacy, lack of e-learning policies, generational age gap, resource constraints, and resistance to change. | The study is relevant to nurse educators who seek to incorporate e-learning in resource-constrained institutions. | Level of evidence: Level VI (qualitative study)
Strengths: A qualitative design that facilitated access to in-depth information. Limitations: Small sample size limiting the generalizability of data. |
Table 2
Curriculum Technology Need-Gap Analysis Table.
| Current Curriculum Technology | Desired Curriculum Technology | Need gap | Action Steps to meet the need gap. |
| Use of Hospital Admission book | Computerized admission in the registry | Using computer technology in designing patient’s database. | Designing a database that will keep patient’s data on track |
| New monitor installation in the ICU | Equipping nurses with the operational skills | Nurses don’t know how to operate ICU equipment | Offering training in the use of the ICU equipment. |
| Unawareness of nurses in the scholarly publication | Nurses being aware of the scholarly journals. | Nurses lack education on the process of manuscript development and submission. | Teaching on the writing and publication skills and need for assessment. |
Table 3
Field Force Analysis Table
| Forces for Curriculum proposal | Curriculum Proposal | Forces Against Curriculum Proposal | ||
| Improved access to information | Technological Competence-Based Curriculum by Use of Thinkific technology. | Insufficient ICT skills among nursing students and educators | ||
| Learning can continue regardless of the time and location of students and educators | Resource constraints and technical difficulties. | |||
| Schedule flexibility (nurse students can complete their coursework while gaining practical experience). | Fear of implementation of new technology. |