Assessment 1 Instructions: Vila Health: Educational Technology Needs Assessment

Conduct an educational technology needs assessment for your current workplace setting or another health care setting you are familiar with and interested in. Document the results of your needs assessment in a 4page report.

Introduction

Note: Each assessment in this course builds upon the work you have completed in previous assessments. Therefore, complete the assessments in the order in which they are presented.

As thoughtful stewards of organizational resources, nurse educators must be able to determine whether new educational technology, upgrades to existing technology, or changes in current technology use will help to close performance gaps, improve patient outcomes, and yield measurable benefits for nursing staff and the organization at large. A comprehensive needs assessment distinguishes needs from wants, compares the current state with the desired state, and enables sound decision making.

This assessment provides an opportunity for you to assess the need for changes in existing educational technology, or the current use of that technology, to improve nursing education in a setting of your choice.

Note: Complete the assessments in this course in the order in which they are presented.

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.

Portfolio 

Assessment 2: Vila Health: The Impact of Educational Technology

Write a 3 page impact statement delineating the possible effects on learners, the organization, and patients of the new or upgraded educational technology, or changes in current technology use, that you proposed in Assessment 1.

Introduction

Note: Each assessment in this course builds upon the work you have completed in previous assessments. Therefore, complete the assessments in the order in which they are presented.

Change has both positive and negative effects on how a health care organization operates, and ultimately, on the quality of patient care. As a nurse educator, you must understand how a technology change not only benefits learner success, but also its relevance to the strategic plan, mission, and future viability of the organization.

This assessment provides an opportunity for you to determine the impact on nursing processes, staff performance, and patient outcomes of new or upgraded technology or changes in how current technology is being used.

Note: Complete the assessments in this course in the order in which they are presented.

Preparation

Executive leaders agree with your assessment of educational technology needs and, as the next step, they have asked you to submit a technology impact statement. They would like to know how the prospective change in the use of existing educational technologies or the acquisition of new tools, technology, or upgrades will affect current nursing processes, staff performance, and patient outcomes.

To prepare for the assessment, you are encouraged to begin thinking about how recommended changes in educational technology, based on your needs assessment in Assessment 1, support your organization's mission, vision, values, and goals. In addition, consider your role as a nurse educator in implementing these changes and their effect on the organization. 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.

Templates

Use this template for your technology impact statement:

APA Style Paper Tutorial [DOCX].

Media

Vila Health: The Impact of Educational Technology. 

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

Write a 3page impact statement delineating the possible effects on learners, the organization, and patients of the new or upgraded educational technology, or changes in current technology use, that you proposed in Assessment 1.

Note: If you have not already done so, complete the Vila Health: The Impact of Educational Technology challenge.

The technology impact statement 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 the new educational technology, upgrades to existing technology, or changes in current technology use that are under consideration.

Explain how the proposed changes support the organization's mission, vision, values, and goals.

Analyze the impact on the organization of the proposed changes. 

How might these changes affect day-to-day nursing operations or educational activities?

What is the expected impact of these changes on patient care?

How will the organization measure the impact?

How should the organization be prepared if the new or upgraded technology, or changes in current technology use, do not deliver as promised?

Describe the nurse educator's role in implementing the proposed changes. 

What are the nurse educator's primary responsibilities?

What actions can the nurse educator reasonably be expected to take to facilitate the change?

Explain how the proposed changes will be incorporated into the design of current or future nursing education programs. 

How will implementation of these changes affect learning and performance?

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 impact statement using current APA style.

Use the APA Style Paper Tutorial to help you in writing and formatting your impact statement. 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 impact statement should be 2–4 pages in length, not including the title page and references page.

Supporting Evidence

Cite 3–5 credible sources from peer-reviewed journals or professional industry publications to support your impact statement.

Additional Requirements

Proofread your change proposal, 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 analysis.

Portf

Assessment 3: Educational Technologies Comparison

Compare the features, benefits, and capabilities of two versions of a similar technology that can be used for teaching, learning, or assessment in nursing education, using the Technology Comparison Template provided. Then, determine which teaching and learning situations the technology is best suited for and how it can be incorporated into a specific nursing education program.

Introduction

Note: Each assessment in this course builds upon the work you have completed in previous assessments. Therefore, complete the assessments in the order in which they are presented.

When comparing educational technologies and evaluating their suitability for particular teaching and learning situations, it is important to determine how nurse educators will use the technology and how well it fits into the organization's existing nursing education strategy. Successful integration of new or updated technology into the nursing education environment depends on how well you understand the role of technology in education and training. When considering new technologies, it is sometimes easy to let a product's impressive but non-value-added bells and whistles influence decision making, which could have an adverse impact on learning outcomes.

This assessment provides an opportunity for you to examine the capabilities of a selected type of educational technology, how it is used in specific educational settings, and how it can be integrated into an existing nursing education program.

Note: Complete the assessments in this course in the order in which they are presented.

Preparation

Whether your needs assessment identified shortfalls in the use of current educational technology, the need for an upgrade to existing technology, or the need for new technology, you know that knowledge of current technologies is key to making informed decisions when considering improvements to existing educational programs. Consequently, you have decided to examine the features, capabilities, and benefits of comparable educational technologies you are either planning to incorporate into your educational program now or would consider as a potential future acquisition.

To prepare for the assessment, you are encouraged to identify two similar educational technologies for comparison and the teaching and learning situations this type technology is best suited for. 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.

Templates

Use this template for your technology comparison:

Comparing Technologies Template [DOCX].

Requirements

Compare two versions of a similar technology that can be used for teaching, learning, or assessment in nursing education. Then, determine which teaching and learning situations the technology is best suited for and how it can be incorporated into a specific nursing education program.

For example:

E-learning technologies, such as Storyline, Articulate, and Captivate.

Technologies for presenting lectures or classroom activities remotely, such as Adobe Connect and GoToMeeting.

Learning management systems (LMSs) for managing coursework, e-learning, and tracking learner progress, such as Brightspace, Taleo, and PeopleSoft Enterprise Learning Management, Health Stream, Net Learning.

Online courserooms, such as Blackboard, Canvas, and Moodle.

Technologies for assessing learning outcomes, such as e-portfolios, testing software, and surveys.

Technologies to enhance learner interactivity, such as gamification and virtual reality technologies.

Presentation technologies, such as PowerPoint and Prezi.

High-, medium-, and low-fidelity simulation equipment or software, such as simulation manikins and body-part models.

The technology comparison 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.

Compare the features, capabilities, and benefits of two similar educational technologies. 

What characteristics or attributes of the technology are non-essential or have little or no effect on teaching and learning?

What evidence supports claims about the benefits of this technology?

What are the assumptions underlying your comparison? What influence do they have on decision making?

Explain the benefits and limitations of this type of comparison. 

Justify your conclusions.

Determine which teaching and learning situations the technology is best suited for. 

Justify your conclusions.

Explain how your selected teaching, learning, or assessment technology can be incorporated into a specific nursing education program. 

How will incorporation of this technology affect learning and performance?

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

Use the Comparing Technologies Template.

Supporting Evidence

Cite 3–5 credible sources from peer-reviewed journals or professional industry publications to support your analysis

Assessment 4 Instructions: Vila Health: Implementing New Educational Technology

Develop and record an 8-10-slide, asynchronous, audiovisual presentation to executive leaders of your plan for implementing the proposed educational technology change detailed in the needs assessment and impact statement you completed in Assessments 1 and 2. In addition, develop a detailed outline of your implementation plan, as a supplement to your presentation.

Introduction

Note: Each assessment in this course builds upon the work you have completed in previous assessments. Therefore, complete the assessments in the order in which they are presented.

The incorporation of technology into educational settings is a learned skill, and nurse educators must have a thorough understanding of a technology's capabilities, benefits, and use. In nursing and health care, the use of technology is no longer an option (Axley, 2008). Nursing educators recognize the need for technology and are taking a proactive role in its adoption and use in teaching and learning. The use of technology in academic settings mirrors the technology that is being used in practice areas.

This assessment provides an opportunity for you to develop and present a plan for implementing a proposed educational technology change.

Reference

Axley, L. (2008). The integration of technology into nursing curricula: Supporting faculty via the technology fellowship program. http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/vol132008/No3Sept08/ArticlePreviousTopic/IntegrationofTechnology.html

Note: Complete the assessments in this course in the order in which they are presented.

Preparation

For this assessment, you will develop and record an asynchronous, audiovisual presentation, to executive leaders, of your plan for implementing the proposed educational technology change detailed in the needs assessment and impact statement you completed in Assessments 1 and 2.

To prepare for the assessment, you are encouraged to begin thinking about how to implement your plan and how best to present it to executive leaders. You may also wish to:

Review the assessment instructions and scoring guide to ensure you understand the work you will be asked to complete.

Be sure that your audiovisual equipment works and that you know how to record and upload your presentation.

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

Please review this guide for your degree program. It can help you stay on track for your practice immersion experience, so you may wish to bookmark it for later reference.

MSN Program Journey.

Templates

Use this template for your implementation plan outline:

Implementation Plan Template [DOCX].

Media

Vila Health: Implementing New Educational Technology. 

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. This interactive exercise offers some insight into the potential implications of educational technology use, which can be helpful when developing your technology implementation plan.

Audiovisual Equipment Setup and Testing

Because you will make a video recording of your presentation, it is a good idea to check that your recording hardware and software is working properly and that you are familiar with its use. 

If using Kaltura, refer to the Using Kaltura tutorial for directions on recording and uploading your video in the courseroom.

See the Course Overview for links to these resources.

You may use Microsoft PowerPoint or other suitable presentation software to create your slides. If you elect to use an application other than PowerPoint, check with your faculty to avoid potential file compatibility issues.

Note: If you require the use of assistive technology or alternative communication methods to participate in this activity, please contact DisabilityServices@capella.edu to request accommodations.

Requirements

Using Kaltura or similar software, record an audiovisual presentation of your plan for implementing new educational technology, an upgrade in existing technology, or a change in how existing technology is currently being used.

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

Before you begin work on your presentation, develop a detailed outline of your implementation plan, using the Implementation Plan Template. The outline will guide the development of your presentation and serve as a useful handout for the attendees.

The implementation plan 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 presentation format and length and for citing supporting evidence.

Outline the steps in a plan for implementing changes in existing educational technologies or aspects of their current use. 

Consider contingent steps for areas of uncertainty.

Determine the resource requirements for a successful implementation. Be sure to include: 

Required human and capital resources.

Budget projections.

Technical support requirements.

Determine the end-user training requirements for successful implementation. 

What is the current level of end-user knowledge and expertise with regard to the proposed changes?

What are the end-user performance expectations?

What type of initial and ongoing support will end users need?

Formulate a plan to evaluate the effectiveness of the change. 

What performance measurement data do you need for a valid assessment?

What reasonable conclusions can be drawn from the data?

Develop slides that augment your presentation. 

Refer to the presentation design tips in the Suggested Resources.

Communicate effectively with executive leaders in presenting your educational technology change implementation plan. 

Consider the information needs of your audience and any potential concerns they might have about the plan. 

What questions or objections are they likely to raise?

How would you respond?

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

Integrate relevant and credible evidence from 3–5 peer-reviewed journals or professional industry publications.

Be sure your supporting evidence is clear and explicit. 

How or why does particular evidence support a claim?

Will your reader see the connection?

Be sure to summarize, paraphrase, and quote your sources appropriately.

Presentation Format and Length

Remember, you may use Microsoft PowerPoint or other suitable presentation software to create your slides. If you decide to use an application other than PowerPoint, check with your faculty to avoid potential file compatibility issues.

Be sure that your slide deck includes the following slides: 

Title.

Introduction. (The reasons for your presentation.)

Planned Change. (Describe the new technology, upgrade, or change in current use.)

References. (At the end of your presentation.)

Your slide deck should consist of 8–10 slides, not including the title, introduction, planned change, and references slides.

Use the speaker's notes section of each slide to develop your talking points and cite your sources, as appropriate.

Supporting Evidence

Cite 3–5 credible sources from peer-reviewed journals or professional industry publications to support your presentation.

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