Educational Technology Needs Assessment Essay

Educational Technology Needs Assessment Essay

Educational technology has become an integral part of nursing education as nurses recognize its potential to enhance learning and professional development. Currently, nurses are actively utilizing various educational technology to increase their knowledge, sharpen their abilities, and keep up with medical breakthroughs (Booth et al., 2021). This article examines how educational technology is currently used in the nursing environment, contrasts it with desired best practices, goes over the metrics used to evaluate its benefits, and makes suggestions and enhancements that could further improve nursing education.

State of Educational Technology

Nurses are embracing educational technology in various ways to improve learning and professional development in the selected environment of nursing education. According to Booth et al. (2021), these tools include mobile applications, online courses, webinars, virtual simulation programs, and computer-based training modules. Interactive modules and assessments are provided in computer-based training to speed up learning and skill development. Programs for virtual simulation offer a secure setting for nurses to practice clinical scenarios and develop critical thinking abilities (Koukourikos et al., 2021). Nurses can easily receive continuing education through online courses and webinars, expanding their expertise and keeping up with the most recent developments in healthcare (Han et al., 2019).

Mobile applications focusing on nursing education offer instant access to clinical guidelines, drug databases, and reference materials, research articles and online learning platforms which helps the student have the latest guidelines in nursing However, more data is required to give a more thorough and accurate account of how educational technology is used. Data on the frequency and length of technology use, the particular technologies that nurses choose, their levels of expertise, and any difficulties they may encounter when using these tools would be helpful. Additionally, knowing how nurses view and feel about the technology used in education would help us better understand how it works and where it might need to be improved (Booth et al., 2021). A thorough needs assessment will assist in evaluating these assumptions and give a more complete picture of the present usage and possible gaps, even though the description offered is based on broad assumptions regarding the use of educational technology in nursing education.

Comparison of Educational Technology

I will use the gap analysis to compare how educational technology is currently being used and what the desired best practices are in nursing education. The business currently uses a variety of instructional technologies, including computer-based training modules, virtual simulations and online courses. As Han et al. (2019) reiterate, the use and execution of these technologies, however, may differ throughout the organization’s many divisions and initiatives. There can be irregularities in how technology is incorporated into the curriculum, restricted access to technology resources, and inadequate nursing assistance and training (Chen,et al., 2019). A lack of standardized platforms and opposition to change could also make it difficult to use technology in education effectively.

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Best Practices: A number of best practices make up the ideal state of educational technology utilization in nursing education. All nursing programs and departments must follow standardized platforms and rules for incorporating technology into the curriculum. To guarantee access to educational technology, adequate infrastructure and resources must be offered (Han et al., 2019). To improve nurses’ skills and confidence in their ability to use these technologies effectively, comprehensive training programs should be created. The company should promote a culture that welcomes new technology, stimulates creativity, and encourages ongoing professional growth in educational technology (Han et al., 2019). The ideal situation also entails assessing how educational technology affects nursing procedures, employee productivity, and patient outcomes and making data-driven adjustments. By conducting a gap analysis, the precise areas where the organization falls short of achieving the desired state can easily be pinpointed. This analysis will assist us in creating a plan to close those gaps and put initiatives in place to increase the use of educational technology, ultimately improving nursing practices, employee productivity, and patient outcomes (Han et al., 2019).

Advantages of Using Modern Instructional Technology

It is crucial to check whether the metrics used to calculate the advantages of using modern educational technology in the case study are enough for the desired goal. Metrics like learner engagement, knowledge gain, skill development, and learner satisfaction may be included in the regularly used metrics in this context (Han et al., 2019). However, they might not be sufficient on their own to fully capture the influence on nursing procedures, staff performance, and patient outcomes from using educational technology in nursing education. According to Haleem et al. (2022), it is crucial to check whether the metrics used to calculate the advantages of using modern educational technology in the case study are enough for the desired goal.

Adopting further best practices is advised to enhance the data’s quality, interpretation, and use: Compliance with organizational objectives: Ensure that the metrics selected, that is knowledge gain and  skill development,   comply with the aims and objectives of the organization. This will make it easier to determine how directly educational technology has affected the desired results, such as better patient care or improved nursing skills. Include outcome-oriented measures that explicitly connect the use of instructional technology to better patient outcomes and nursing performance (Han et al., 2019). Metrics like decreased medication mistakes, higher adherence to evidence-based practices, or higher patient satisfaction ratings might be included.

Implement longitudinal metrics tracking to determine the long-term effects of educational technology interventions. This will give a more thorough grasp of the long-term advantages and prospective areas for development. Data triangulation: Use techniques like surveys, interviews, or focus groups to combine quantitative measures with qualitative data (Booth et al., 2021). This will give deeper insights into nurses’ experiences and viewpoints, assisting in identifying both successful and ineffective regions. Continuous improvement: Review and update the chosen metrics on a regular basis based on input from stakeholders and developing industry best practices. This will guarantee that the metrics stay pertinent, significant, and in line with the changing objectives of nursing education. The organization can improve the quality, interpretation, and application of data linked to educational technology use by putting these best practices into effect (Booth et al., 2021). This will support evidence-based improvements, encourage informed decision-making, and ultimately help the organization reach its nursing education objectives.

New or Existing Educational Technology

The organization’s strategic purpose is closely aligned with the nursing educational technologies that were chosen, including computer-based training modules, virtual simulations, and online courses. The purpose of the hospital is to guarantee that all patients have access to excellent care and to enhance health and well-being via teaching, patient and community education, and research (Hennepin Healthcare, 2023) . Numerous advantages of computer-based training modules are in keeping with the organization’s objective. By offering dynamic and interesting educational content, these modules support successful teaching and allow nursing professionals to continuously improve their abilities and knowledge. These courses will enable the organization’s nursing team to provide patients with excellent care.

In nursing education, virtual simulations are a crucial teaching and learning tool. They offer a secure and monitored setting where nursing students can hone their clinical, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities. The organization promotes the growth of qualified nursing professionals who can deliver first-rate care to patients and help to improve health and wellness by utilizing virtual simulations. By supporting accessible education, online courses help the organization fulfill its objective (Han et al., 2019) . Professionals in the nursing field have easy access to a variety of courses that enable them to regularly upgrade their knowledge and abilities. These programs aid in both professional growth and the organization’s ability to provide patients and the general public with crucial health-related information

Changes to Existing Educational Technology

Enhance training programs to ensure nurses have the skills and knowledge necessary to use educational technology effectively. Provide continuing assistance and resources, such as user guides, how-to videos, and help centers, to answer any problems or queries that may emerge when implementing new technology. Standardized Incorporation: Establish uniform policies and procedures for incorporating instructional technology into the nursing curriculum (Booth et al., 2021). This will guarantee uniform application across various programs and departments, fostering a unified learning environment for students.

User input and Collaboration: Encourage nursing educators and students to actively participate in and provide input on the development and enhancement of educational technology. Thanks to this cooperative approach, the technology will be tailored to the unique requirements of the nursing education community. Collect and examine data on the efficiency of educational technologies in nursing education (Cutajar, 2019). Data-Driven Decision-Making: Metrics, including learner engagement, knowledge retention, and clinical performance, are among those that are evaluated in this process (Booth et al., 2021). Make decisions about the choice and application of instructional technology in light of this evidence.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Keep abreast of cutting-edge pedagogical innovations and nursing education best practices. Examine novel tools that can improve patient outcomes and learning experiences while routinely assessing the efficacy of current technologies. By promoting a more productive and effective learning environment, these suggestions will enhance nursing education (Booth et al., 2021). It will increase student involvement, encourage active learning, and make it easier to pick up important knowledge and skills.

Additionally, integrating technology consistently across nursing schools will guarantee consistency and coherence and eventually prepare nurses to fulfill the demands of contemporary healthcare. It is crucial to rely on empirical research, best practices in nursing education, and the experiences and input of nursing educators and students to support these conclusions and suggestions (Booth et al., 2021). Evidence for the efficacy and advantages of the suggested improvements can be found in published studies, educational technology guidelines from respectable nursing education organizations, and actual cases of successful technology integration.

Conclusion

Nurses are embracing educational technology in various ways to improve learning and professional development in the selected environment of nursing education. Knowing how nurses view and feel about the technology used in education would help us better understand how it works and where it might need to be improved (Booth et al., 2021). By conducting a Gap analysis, we can identify the specific areas where the organization falls short in achieving the desired state. This analysis will help us develop a roadmap to bridge those gaps and implement strategies to improve the utilization of educational technology, ultimately enhancing nursing processes, staff performance, and patient outcomes. By aligning the features and capabilities of educational technology with the strategic mission of the organization, nursing leaders can ensure that the technology supports the organization’s goals and contributes to its overall success in delivering quality education and healthcare services (Booth et al., 2021).

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References

 

Booth, R. G., Strudwick, G., McBride, S., O’Connor, S., & Solano López, A. L. (2021). How the nursing profession should adapt for a digital future. The BMJ, 373, n1190. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n1190

Chen, H. J., Liao, L. L., Chang, Y. C., Hung, C. C., & Chang, L. C. (2019). Factors Influencing Technology Integration in the Curriculum for Taiwanese Health Profession Educators: A Mixed-Methods Study. International journal of environmental research and public health, 16(14), 2602. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16142602

Cutajar, M. (2019). Teaching using digital technologies: Transmission or participation? Education Sciences, 9(3), 226. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci9030226

Haleem, A., Javaid, M., Qadri, M. A., & Suman, R. (2022). Understanding the role of digital technologies in education: A review. Sustainable Operations and Computers, 3(3), 275–285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susoc.2022.05.004

Han, E. R., Yeo, S., Kim, M. J., Lee, Y. H., Park, K. H., & Roh, H. (2019). Medical education trends for future physicians in the era of advanced technology and artificial intelligence: an integrative review. BMC Medical Education, 19(1), 460. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-019-1891-5

Hennepin Healthcare. (2023). About Hennepin Healthcare. Hennepin Healthcare. https://www.hennepinhealthcare.org/about-us/

Koukourikos, K., Tsaloglidou, A., Kourkouta, L., Papathanasiou, I. V., Iliadis, C., Fratzana, A., & Panagiotou, A. (2021). Simulation in Clinical Nursing Education. Acta informatica medica : AIM : journal of the Society for Medical Informatics of Bosnia & Herzegovina : casopis Drustva za medicinsku informatiku BiH, 29(1), 15–20. https://doi.org/10.5455/aim.2021.29.15-20

 

Preparation

Workplace Setting and Educational Context

You may choose your current workplace setting or another health care setting you are familiar with and interested in as the context for this assessment and all subsequent assessments. Also, in your selected setting, choose the educational context within which the technology is being used:

Academic.

Clinical (on the job).

Continuing professional education.

As you work through each assessment in this course, imagine yourself as the director of nursing education or fulfilling a similar role in your organization. In your capacity as director, you are aware that several organizational training initiatives and ongoing educational programs have not met expectations. You suspect that part of the reason for this can be attributed to the ineffective use of existing educational technologies, and in some cases, the lack of appropriate tools and technology. Consequently, you have decided to conduct a needs assessment to determine what changes in existing technologies, or their use, you might propose to executive leaders that would have a positive impact on current nursing processes, staff performance, and patient outcomes.

To prepare for the assessment, you are encouraged to reflect on how educational technologies, such as simulation equipment, e-learning, and remote communication technologies, are used to support nursing education or training programs you are familiar with. Then, consider the effectiveness of these technologies and whether new or upgraded technologies, or changes in current use, might help close performance gaps and improve patient outcomes. In addition, you may wish to review the assessment requirements and scoring guide to ensure you understand the work you will be asked to complete.

Note: As you revise your writing, check out the resources listed on the Writing Center’s Writing Support page.

The following resources are required to complete the assessment.

MSN Program Journey

The following is a useful map that will guide you as you continue your MSN program. This map gives you an overview of all the steps required to prepare for your practicum and to complete your degree. It also outlines the support that will be available to you along the way.

MSN Program Journey.

Templates

Use this template for your needs assessment.

APA Style Paper Tutorial [DOCX].

Media

Vila Health: Educational Technology Needs Assessment.

Vila Health is a virtual environment that simulates a real-world health care system. In the various Vila Health challenges, you will apply professional strategies, practice skills, and build competencies that you can apply to your coursework and in your career. The information you gather in this challenge will help you to complete the assessment.

Requirements

Conduct an educational technology needs assessment.

Note: If you have not already done so, complete the Vila Health: Educational Technology Needs Assessment challenge.

The needs assessment requirements, outlined below, correspond to the grading criteria in the scoring guide, so be sure to address each point. Read the performance-level descriptions for each criterion to see how your work will be assessed. In addition, be sure to note the requirements below for document format and length and for citing supporting evidence.

Describe how nurses are currently using educational technology within the setting and educational context you have chosen for this assessment.

What information is lacking that would provide you with a more complete or accurate description of current usage?

Is your description based on any particular assumptions?

Compare the current state of educational technology use with the desired state (best practices in nursing education).

Choose any analysis methodology that you are familiar with and comfortable using. For example:

Gap analysis.

SWOT or TOWS analysis.

Appreciative inquiry (discover and dream steps).

Address the following:

What, if any, changes are needed in how nurses currently use the existing technology?

Is there a need for a new technology solution?

On what do you base your conclusions?

Assess the metrics used to determine the benefits of current educational technology use.
Are the metrics sufficient for the intended purpose?

What are the best practices that could help improve the quality, interpretation, and use of the data?

Explain how new or existing educational technology aligns with the strategic mission of the organization.

If needed, locate a public statement of the organization’s mission.

Recommend changes to existing educational technology, or current use of the technology, that will improve nursing education.

How will your recommendations result in improvements in nursing education?

What evidence do you have to support your conclusions and recommendations?

Support assertions, arguments, propositions, and conclusions with relevant and credible evidence.

Is your supporting evidence clear and explicit?

How or why does particular evidence support a claim?

Will your reader see the connection?

Did you summarize, paraphrase, and quote your sources appropriately?

Write clearly and concisely in a logically coherent and appropriate form and style.

Write with a specific purpose and audience in mind.

Adhere to scholarly and disciplinary writing standards and APA formatting requirements.

Document Format and Length

Format your needs assessment using current APA style.

Use the APA Style Paper Tutorial to help you in writing and formatting your needs assessment. Be sure to include:
A title page and references page. An abstract is not required.

A running head on all pages.

Appropriate section headings.

Your needs assessment should be 3–5 pages in length, not including the title page and references page.

Supporting Evidence

Cite at least three credible sources from peer-reviewed journals or professional industry publications to support your needs assessment.

Additional Requirements

Proofread your needs assessment, before you submit it, to minimize errors that could distract readers and make it more difficult for them to focus on the substance of your assessment.