Feed Forward

           

           Nursing education has come such a long way since its inception. Educators have come from teaching only doctors in a hospital setting, to teaching via the internet in virtual classrooms. Becoming a nurse educator is something that one should be proud of and use all available resources to make students better and to make them better nurses. This is relied heavily on the use of technology in that education.

            I do not remember having much in the category of technology when I was in school for my Associate’s Degree. I remember there was discussion of getting a simulation mannequin the year I graduated. Yes, we used online resources for studying for the NCLEX and participated in online course, but nothing like there is today. There are so many options to be used for students now, and that plethora of technology is what will be best for my future students.

            The IOM recommends that students take full advantage of the use of technology as an alternative way of instruction. By using such strategies as simulation, or using applications for medication reference on their cell phones, technology is everywhere in nursing education. This is directly affected by the educator’s ability to use that technology as well, and to be able to teach it to their students. As technology began to grow in popularity, and the number of educators that were able to provide that were few, causing fear of many educators leaving the profession.

            I hope to provide my future students the ability and access to the latest technology for their continued success in their education, ultimately providing the best care for their future patients. I have always said that as an educator, I want to teach future nurses to be the nurses that I would be comfortable taking care of myself or my family. Technology will only increase from today, so I will embrace it now and make the best situation for myself and my future students.