WesternU College of Graduate Nursing leader tapped for national innovation boot camp
Today’s students have grown up with smartphones, social media and ever-evolving digital content. Engaging them in classroom, lab and clinical settings requires faculty to have high digital IQs.
Western University of Health Sciences College of Graduate Nursing Assistant Dean of Global Health and Innovations Ivy Tuason, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, is one of 30 nursing leaders from across the country selected to participate in the inaugural American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)-Apple Digital Innovation Bootcamp: From Content to Action, which will be held July 9-12 in Austin, Texas.
AACN launched the initiative to provide new opportunities for nursing faculty to leverage the latest technology and enhance learning in classroom, laboratory and clinical settings. Those invited to participate will enjoy sessions on creating digital content, developing iOS mobile apps and multi-touch books, and creating engaging learning environments.
“Today’s faculty must be able to keep up with and apply technology in our teaching. Our students not only expect but demand teaching innovations that will engage, challenge and inspire them,” Tuason said. “This opportunity will allow me to apply learning theories and education models to develop and incorporate digital content in CGN courses.
“In CGN, we are always looking for opportunities to integrate innovation not only to keep the students’ attention in class but also to enhance their critical thinking and application of theory to clinical and patient care settings. I am also excited to bring the knowledge and skills I gain from this conference back to CGN and WesternU, and I hope to mentor other faculty in teaching innovation.”
Program participants come from 20 states plus the District of Columbia and represent an array of institution types, including small liberal arts programs, public and private schools, and large academic health centers. Those attending will share details about their individual projects produced as part of this immersion experience at an upcoming AACN conference.
The conference will provide Tuason with an opportunity to develop her idea to use gamification to help students understand the concepts of community assessment, social determinants of health, health disparity and health inequity. The objectives of this activity are to enhance students’ collaboration, team building, and problem-solving skills, produce clear representation of vulnerable/at-risk communities, and demonstrate socio-ecological factors affecting the health of individuals, families and communities, she said.
“AACN applauds the incoming class of Digital Bootcamp participants for their innovative ideas and commitment to enhancing the educational experience for today’s nursing student,” said Dr. Ann Cary, Chair of the AACN Board of Directors.
Click here to read more about the AACN-Apple Collaboration: http://www.aacnnursing.org/Professional-Development/Conference-Info/sessionaltcd/1532.
