In this section, questions sent in by readers and visitors to the main Nursing Informatics web site are featured. I encourage you to ask
questions that you would like to see printed in subsequent issues of this ezine. Go to www.nursing-informatics.com/contact.html to submit yours!
Q: I'm from a US University and we are in the process of implementing "Conceptual Based Teaching" or what you might call the "Integrated Curriculum." What is good and bad about the integrated curriculum?
I first created the Kwantlen NI Integrated Curriculum in 1996 to provide a leveled approach to theory and practice across the four years of the BSN program. One big disadvantage has been faculty preparedness. Few faculty are "ready" to integrate the learning activities into the classroom due to a variety of factors: access, readiness, computer and technology literacy, time demands, and interest. I prepared a Powerpoint outlining my findings on this topic, which lists both the advantages and disadvantages. You can view it HERE.
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Q. I am wondering what you think of open source software. Do you know of any that you would recommend?
I fully support the notion of open source software. After all, the movement represents the true and original intent of the internet. One particular software that I highly recommend is Moodle a free open source Content Management System. This software is quite easy to set up, and even easier to customize. I will be presenting a review of Moodle in the Spring issue of NI News. Moodle is especially great for educators who wish to gain skill and practice in designing online courses. It is also a great project management tool - you can meet with your team, share files, communicate on the forums or in the chatrooms within a secure private web space. A space that is accessible to all involved parties from any computer with internet access. It is currently used by many universities, colleges, organizations, and individual professionals and is available in several different languages. A true gift to the cybercommunity!! |
