Module 5

A technology that I am interested in is YouTube. As previously, mentioned millennial students are accustomed to using technology to enhance their learning. Millennials view YouTube not only for entertainment purposes but to learn new skills and procedures. Educators that utilize and support services like YouTube and podcasting are allowing people to share and generate information with the rest of the word (Fleck, Beckman, Sterns & Hussey, 2014). YouTube videos, allow students to acquire new knowledge at their pace. Educators may choose to use YouTube videos to supplement class content or to demonstrate new concepts. For example, in nursing a teacher may decide to use a YouTube video to explore topics that students might not encounter during everyday clinical rotations (Fleck et al., 2014).

Some challenges to utilizing YouTube, include internet connection and obtaining credible information. The educator typically links a YouTube video in a PowerPoint, before showing the video the education must make sure that the link works and that the video has a quality picture and sound. According to Fleck et al., (2014), even though “showing videos better connects to digital natives and bridges the gaps with non-traditional students, faculty should ensure the relevancy and the learning potential of videos” (p. 26). The educator should make sure that the video will help the students meet learning objectives. Benefits of using Youtube includes supporting different learning styles of the students and incorporating technology that millennials students enjoy. Some students are visual learners, utilizing videos support that learning style. YouTube also makes learning accessible at any time. The students can access Youtube from their mobile devices at their convenience. In an article by Keskin and Metcalf (2011), they describe mobile learning as portable, ubiquitous and easily accessible and used by many people. It is apparent that YouTube enhances learning and teaching strategies.

I would use YouTube to help students learn new skills and procedures. YouTube videos can be used to demonstrate step-by- step procedures that help students learn to process information. Once the student has processed the information they can recall the information for future events. Authors Fleck et al., (2014), explain that the use of multimedia tools in the medical field increases student engagement and retention. Multimedia tools are also beneficial when students are required to retain large amounts of information. Students can refer to multimedia instructions as often as they like and at their pace. YouTube encourages students to take ownership of learning. I would sustain this technology by frequently reviewing videos on and making sure that the content is up to date. I would only select quality videos to present to my class. I would also make sure that the link works before attempting to show the class. It is also important to make sure that the internet works in the classroom so that I could access the video for the students. The use of YouTube helps address the diverse needs of learners by demonstrating step-by-procedures and explaining the rationale for nursing actions. In addition to using the videos available on YouTube, it is my goal someday to make a video and share the contents on YouTube.

References:

Fleck, B.K.B., Beckman, L.M., Sterns, J.L., & Hussey, H.D. (2014). YouTube in the classroom: Helpful tips and student perceptions. The Journal of Effective Teaching 14(3), 21-37.

Keskin, N.O., & Metcalf, D. (2011). The current perspectives, theories ad practices of mobile

learning. The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology 10(2), 202-208.

Module 4

     As previously mentioned most of my courses are taught face-to-face. Therefore, it is challenging to find ways to engage students. My goal is to implement more active learning strategies in the classroom. With the advancements in technology, educators can choose from a variety of tools. One technology tool that I would like to implement is a personal response system or clickers. Technological advances such as a personal response system can help teachers become innovative in the classroom. Clickers allow students to answer questions in class anonymously. Participating anonymously is beneficial because often students lack the self-confidence to engage in class (Morse, Ruggerieri & Whelan-Berry, 2010). Clickers have been known to increase student engagement, and attendance rates especially for large lecture hall classes (Cole & Kosc, 2010).  In addition to using the clicker to engage students. The clickers can also be used as a formative assessment tool. Authors Morse, Ruggieri, and Whelan-Berry (2010), explain that clickers can be used to assess student comprehension and provide feedback to both the student and instructor. The feedback can help the instructor further explain or clarify content.

     The benefits to using personal response systems include student engagement and peer collaboration. The teacher could use clickers in a quizzing game format. She could have students work in teams to answer the questions correctly. Many students enjoy games and competition. Boctor (2012) explains that games are one technique that can be used to increase student engagement and help students construct a deep meaning of concepts. The challenges to using a clicker include the cost of the device. In an article by Cole and Kosc (2010), the cost of a clicker can range from $35-$50. Another challenge is professional develop opportunities for faculty. Educators must know how to correctly format the questions and set up the personal response system in the classroom. As many nurse educators, try to transition to an active pedagogy one must consider innovative strategies such as clickers to engage students.

      My experience as a blogger. Initially, the challenge that I faced was setting up the blog. I had no previous knowledge or experience with blogging. However, after viewing a YouTube video, the process became easier. The other challenge is the time it takes to post. We all have several obligations between family, work, and school. At first, it seemed that it would be impossible to keep up with the blogging assignments. But somehow we are managing, and I look forward to blogging. The benefits of blogging are collaborating with my peers and learning a new technology. Blogging is an informal way to share experiences and resources with other educators. While initially, I was worried about blogging, it has been great learning a new technology that I could use in my courses or use to interact with other educators.

References

Boctor, L. (2012). Active learning strategies: The use of a game to reinforce learning in nursing education. A case study. Nurse Education in Practice, 13, 96-100.

Cole, S., & Kosc, G. (2010). Quit surfing and start “clicking”. One professor’s effort to combat he problems of teaching the U.S. survey in a large lecture hall. The History Teacher, 43(3), 397-410.

Morse, J., Ruggieri, M., & Whelan-Berry, K. (2010). Clicking our way to class discussion. American Journal of Business Education, 3(3), 99–108. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.