Assignments 1 and 2

When I read the syllabus and assignments and considered creating a blog, web pages, and a Webquest, I thought it would be like herding cats. I was intimidated and experienced a few restless nights contemplating the tasks ahead. Turns out it has been less difficult than cat herding, and actually, quite enjoyable. I am choosing to be excited about all I am going to learn this summer, rather than focus on what I do not know.

The blogfolio will include the musings of a beginner, reflections about the assignments, what I learned, and possible ways to apply the new skills to nursing education. With each assignment I will attempt to apply the content to nursing education and my role with the nursing students.

Assignment 1: The trick to this assignment was to use varying search terms such as distance learning; telecommunications in education; and instructional technology. I used Google, as I use Google for most all searches. I also frequently referred to Dr. Yuen's homepage to be certain I was not duplicating a previously posted resource. It did take a bit of time to sift through the results and evaluate the sites, because many of the websites were for web based programs and online degrees rather than information about the technology. Sites that were hosted by university personnel were the most comprehensive and informative.

The second aspect of the assignment was a bit unnerving for me. As an emergency department nurse I often dealt with people when they were at their worst, and I have also cared for inmates, violent offenders, and the mentally disturbed. Consequently, I always had an unlisted phone number. Past web searches have revealed no personal information. While searching for this assignment, I discovered over 25 years of previous addresses including my current home address. This left me with an uncomfortable feeling. Incidentally, I believe the Department of Motor Vehicles may have been the source for some of the information, and that makes me even more uncomfortable.

I recently learned about Inspiration 8.0, software that allows concept mapping. The concept mapping process is widely used in nursing education, but is a difficult concept for nascent nursing students to master. During the software search for this assignment, I found a free trail download of Inspiration through CNET. Even better, though, is I found freeware that is similar to Inspiration also through CNET. I will be evaluating both programs this summer, and use one in the fall.

Assignment 2: The Blogging assignment was one that I feared would be like herding cats. However, Blogspot is intuititive and easy to manage. I have never wanted to blog and avoid My Space, Face Book, and other networking sites. However, I believe a blog could be very effective for my clinical nursing students and could be a tool for providing supplemental instruction and resources. I could introduce a weekly case study and have the students contribute to it. I could also provide links to the digital media available through our school and have students review anatomy, the disease process, etc. I believe the blog could be a modern, non-threatening way to reinforce the material I present during the week. In fact I am going to introduce blogging to my incoming fall students.