Evaluation Strategies for Midwifery Education Linked to Digital Media and Distance Delivery Technology

Abstract

The goal of the teaching and learning process for health professionals is the acquisition of a fundamental core of knowledge, the demonstration of critical thinking ability, and the demonstration of competency in the performance of clinical skills. Teaching and learning in distance education programs require that the administration, teachers, and students be creative in developing evaluation strategies that can be adapted to the challenges of the cyberspace on-line educational environment. Evaluation standards for distance education programs recently have been delineated by federal agencies, private organizations, and academic accreditation associations. These standards are linked to principles of sound education practice that promote program quality, high levels of student-faculty interaction, and support effective teaching and learning in the distance education context. A growing body of evidence supports the conclusion that technology-enhanced teaching is equivalent in effectiveness compared with traditional methods when student-learning outcomes are the focus of measurement. An allied body of literature offers model approaches that can be useful to educators who must also conduct the evaluation of clinical skills, provide feedback, and promote socialization to the nurse-midwifery/midwifery role for students being educated in whole or in part through instruction delivered at a distance.

Estratégias de ensino das habilidades do pensamento crítico na enfermagem

“…Estudo de Caso Jones, Sheridan (17) Oermann, Truesdell, Ziolkowski (18) Wade (19) Staib 6Fullerton, Ingle (20) Zahner (21) Perciful, Nester (22) Adams, Gilman (23) Moule, Gilbert, Chalk (24) Posey, Pintz (25) Mahoney, Marfurt, Cunha (26)…”

“…Os estudantes podem utilizar a instrução assistida por computador para simular situações-problema em cenários clínicos (6) . Além disso, o uso da informática (20) facilita a Crossetti MGO, Bittencourt GKGD, Schaurich D, Tanccini T, Antunes M. Estratégias de ensino das habilidades do pensamento crítico na enfermagem. Rev Gaúcha Enferm., Porto Alegre (RS) 2009 dez;30(4):732-41.…”

Students’ perception of 3D video microscope use in preclinical fixed prosthodontics: A comparative study

“…1 The drawbacks of this method include a high demand on resources, and limited reach due to geographical factors and restricted class sizes. [2][3][4] Also, mandated distance learning currently limits the number of dental students in the preclinical setting.…”

Innovative Uses of Technology in Online Midwifery Education

“…Despite the online nature of the coursework of many midwifery programs, there is little published about innovative technologies used in midwifery education. Most of the literature related to online midwifery education was published 11 to 15 years ago, with the majority discussing issues such as changing courses to an online format, defining terms used in online education, and evaluating educational outcomes in online education . Now that online programs are proliferating, research that focuses on increasing the rigor of online education using innovative technology can take place.…”

“…Four of the studies revealed a positive effect for skill performance, whereas one study showed a negative effect . Thus, it is important that the translation of on‐campus courses to online delivery of coursework be student‐focused and enhance learning . In a recent qualitative analysis, 30 undergraduate and graduate nursing students from online programs agreed that productive online learning is achievable given adequate time‐management skills, sense of peer engagement and participation, and proficiency and confidence in writing .…”