Constructivist Strategies in Online Distance Education in Nursing

Abstract

This article reviews the use of constructivism in traditional brick-and-mortar classrooms, as opposed to the online learning environment. The applicability of constructivism to nursing education is discussed. The article concludes with recommendations for online nursing education programs, offering ways that constructivist methodologies can be applied to online distance education.

Nursing Professional Development

“…Motivation is an important component. Informing the learner of the ''why'' can stimulate learning (Legg, Adelman, Mueller, & Levitt, 2009). Learners want to know that information is relevant to their work (Keys et al, 2009), and conveying clear understanding of why the learner needs to know can assist with buy-in and motivation.…”

Customized Role Play: Strategy for Development of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Competencies

“…Effective teaching/learning strategies are essential for student‐centered learning in which entry level proficiency is achieved. Furthermore, strategies are needed “to track competency development and to supervise process elements of mental health training” (Delaney, Carlson‐Sabelli, Shephard, & Ridge, , p. 228) that promote awareness of cultural and social contexts (Legg, Adelman, Mueller, & Levitt, ). Customized role play is discussed as one strategy utilized by this author in two psychotherapy‐focused courses to close the gaps in knowledge transfer from the classroom to the practice site.…”

IRRODL Volume 12, Number 5

“…Previous studies in nurse distance education have investigated the impact of constructivist approaches to teaching and learning (Legg, Adelman, Mueller, & Levitt, 2009) as a theoretical framework for designing educational experiences (Peters, 2000;Twomey, 2004). In practice, constructivist learning is characterised as active and responsive to individual needs of the learner (Dalgarno, 2001).…”