Issues Related to the Use of Technology In Nursing Technology has significantly transformed nursing education by offering more accessible, flexible, and interactive learning experiences. However, despite the advantages, certain challenges arise in the use of technology for nursing education, particularly for specific groups such as older adults and individuals with disabilities.
Issues Related to the Use of Technology
The use of technology in healthcare education introduces unique challenges due to the diverse settings and learner characteristics in healthcare. These include:
- Access to Resources: Not all learners have equal access to hardware, software, and technological support. In healthcare settings, patients and professionals alike may lack the necessary resources for digital learning.
- Digital Divide: The gap between individuals who have access to information technology and those who do not remains a significant challenge. According to a Pew Foundation report, around 15% of American adults are disconnected from the Internet. Factors such as age, income, education, and disabilities are key contributors to this divide.
- Technological Competence: Not everyone, especially older adults and people with disabilities, is comfortable with or skilled in using digital devices, which can hinder the effectiveness of technology-based learning.
- Information Accuracy: Inaccurate or outdated online content is another challenge. Nursing educators must ensure that the digital resources they provide or recommend are credible and up-to-date.
Why Adults Do Not Interact with Digital Media
There are several reasons why many adults, especially older ones, do not engage with digital media:
- Perception of Irrelevance: Many older adults do not see how the Internet or digital media is relevant to their lives.
- Ease of Use: Some find it difficult to use, often because they lack the necessary digital literacy skills.
- Cost: For individuals with lower incomes, the cost of owning a computer or paying for an Internet connection may be prohibitive.
- Access: Certain individuals, particularly those in rural areas, may lack physical access to the Internet.
Steps to Encourage Older Adults to Engage with Digital Learning
To help older adults interact with digital learning platforms, the following strategies can be implemented:
- Ergonomics: Ensuring proper equipment setup (adjusting monitor height, font size, and screen color) helps minimize physical strain, especially for those with visual or mobility challenges.
- Resource Identification: Providing a list of places like libraries or community centers where free computer access and training are available can help older adults connect with technology.
- Tailored Learning: Educating older adults on how technology can specifically meet their healthcare needs (e.g., using online support groups or health education websites) can foster interest in learning.
- Supportive Environment: Create a non-threatening learning atmosphere, avoid jargon, proceed at a comfortable pace, and provide written instructions for later reference. This approach helps older adults feel more confident in their ability to use digital tools.
People with Disabilities and Use of Technology for Nursing Education
People with disabilities may face additional obstacles when using technology for nursing education, including:
- Motor Impairments: Individuals with limited mobility may have difficulty using standard keyboards and mice. Specially designed adaptive devices such as ergonomic keyboards or voice-recognition software may be necessary.
- Visual Impairments: People with visual disabilities may require screen-reading software, larger fonts, or higher contrast between text and background. Websites that are not designed with accessibility in mind can pose barriers to these users.
- Hearing Impairments: While hearing impairments affect technology use less directly, individuals may still face challenges with online learning materials that rely heavily on audio. Subtitles or text-based alternatives should be provided.
- Cognitive Disabilities: Those with cognitive impairments may benefit from simplified content, user-friendly navigation, and additional support tools, such as step-by-step guides.
Despite legislative efforts, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Workforce Investment Act, which mandate accessibility for people with disabilities, many websites still lack the necessary adjustments for accessibility.
Resources for Technology in Nursing Education
Several resources are available to promote the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in technology-based learning:
- Web Accessibility Initiative: This organization offers internationally recognized guidelines for website accessibility, ensuring that digital resources can be used by people with disabilities.
- Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST): Known for its program “Bobby,” CAST helps identify and fix accessibility issues on websites, making them more inclusive for disabled users.
- Disabled World: This resource provides comprehensive information about assistive technologies for individuals with sensory, speech, and physical disabilities, helping them better engage with digital learning platforms.
By incorporating these tools and strategies, nurse educators can support learners with disabilities, ensuring equal access to digital learning resources and promoting inclusive education.
Conclusion
While technology offers great potential for improving nursing education and patient care, issues related to access, usability, and inclusivity must be addressed. Factors such as the digital divide, lack of access for older adults, and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities can hinder the effectiveness of technology in healthcare education.
Nurse educators play a crucial role in bridging these gaps by providing accessible and supportive learning environments, identifying resources, and tailoring digital tools to meet the needs of diverse populations. With thoughtful planning and implementation, technology can be used to create a more equitable and effective learning experience for all.