OpenOffice

Individuals who prefer open applications or who wish to save money, can use OpenOffice. This suite of applications includes programs for word processing, developing and using spreadsheets, making presentations, drawing, and designing databases. There can be some functionality differences, so students should be prepared to check OpenOffice freqently asked questions (FAQs) or work with their campus technology support personnel.

Go to http://www.openoffice.org/why/why_great.html to see if OpenOffice is right for you.

Self Assessments for Students Considering Online Learning

If your nursing program wants to develop a web site for online learners, the first step is to provide self assessments for learners. There's no need to create your own assessments, simply link to existing assessments of readiness for distance learning and learning styles inventories. I have listed several for you. Some are longer than others...give them a try and select the ones that work for your program.

Is distance education right for you?

• http://www.distance.ufl.edu/self-assessment
• http://wsprod.westernu.edu/wu/nursing/cgn_assess.jsp

What is your learning style?

• http://www.personal.psu.edu/bxb11/LSI/LSI.htm
• http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html

How are your study skills?

• ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/stdyhlp.html

Avitars in Education

The use of virtual reality in nursing education has been tested and reported in the literature (Schmidt & Stewart, 2009; Schmidt & Stewart, 2010; Stewart, Pope & Duncan, 2009; Stewart et al, 2010; Sweigart, 2010). These reports are summarized in Chapter 8 in Distance Education in Nursing (3rd edition).  If you want to see a few demonstrations of virtual reality that be used by educators, go to https://techntuit.pbworks.com/w/page/20307614/Avatars%20In%20Education.

What content would you develop to increase clinical reasoning of nursing students? Could you develop a realistic virtual clinical experience where case studies unfold based on student actions? Please share ideas that you have and look for collaborators among readers of the book.