Technology Advancement and Influence on Nursing Technology Revolution and Nursing Education
Technological advancements over the last half-century, commonly known as the Information Age or the Third Industrial Revolution, have reshaped various aspects of life, including education and healthcare. The rise of the Internet, World Wide Web, and information technology, coupled with mass production of computers and development of user-friendly software, have significantly influenced how people learn, access information, and interact with the world.
As we transition into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, characterized by the fusion of physical, digital, and biological technologies, new and disruptive advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, nanotechnology, and 3D printing are further blurring these boundaries. These technologies are merging the real and digital worlds, ushering in a new era of healthcare and education (Schwab, 2016; Medical Futurist, 2017).
In healthcare, particularly nursing, these technological innovations are transforming the practice environment and the educational system. The widespread availability of information has shifted the role of nurses from traditional caregivers to knowledge facilitators. Additionally, educational technologies, such as mobile devices and the internet, have revolutionized learning methods, making information readily available to both teachers and learners.
In today’s world, virtually all children begin learning on digital platforms as early as three years old (U.S. Department of Education, 2016). This early exposure to digital technology shapes how younger generations process information, making them “digital natives.” This is in stark contrast to older generations who grew up in the pre-digital era.
Educational Technology and Nursing Education
Educational technologies, which were once rare, have now become an integral part of nursing education, fostering a multidimensional learning environment for both in-person and distance learners. These technologies offer tremendous potential to improve educational practices, increase access, and empower both nursing professionals and healthcare consumers. For example, online learning platforms, simulation tools, and interactive software provide a rich, immersive educational experience.
However, while technology offers numerous benefits, it is not a magic solution. Effective integration of technology into nursing education requires careful planning, evaluation, and monitoring. Nurses must not only understand the technology but also integrate it into educational plans grounded in sound pedagogical principles. This includes addressing concerns related to access, cost, support, equipment, and outcomes.
Technologies such as computers, the internet, and the World Wide Web are advancing at a rapid pace, and what is cutting-edge today may be outdated tomorrow. Despite this rapid progression, healthcare educators must strive to stay updated on emerging technologies and incorporate them into their teaching strategies. This ongoing learning process will help educators enhance their teaching methods and provide students with the most relevant and up-to-date information available.
Health Education in a Technology-Based World
The increasing reliance on technology in education mirrors broader societal trends, as we live in a world where information is a valuable commodity. The Information Age, also known as the Digital Age, began in the 1970s with the rise of affordable computing power and improved information technology, which allowed information to be more accessible than ever before. This shift dramatically altered the global economy, culture, and daily life, shrinking the world by making communication and information exchange instantaneous and low-cost.
The demand for innovative technologies continues to grow, and today’s society heavily depends on mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and other computer-driven tools. These technologies have become deeply embedded in our culture and are as essential in education as chalkboards once were.
In education, especially healthcare education, computers and other digital tools have revolutionized the way information is collected, managed, and shared. The rapid transmission of information has led to an “information explosion,” which can be both an advantage and a challenge. On one hand, information is more accessible than ever before; on the other, learners are constantly bombarded with vast amounts of information, making it crucial for them to develop skills in gathering and evaluating it efficiently.
Healthcare educators must adapt to this new landscape. The traditional methods of teaching are no longer sufficient, as learners today have different expectations and learning styles. Nurse educators, in particular, need to harness technology to meet the evolving needs of students and patients in the digital age.
The Effect of Technology Advancement on Nursing Education
Technology has dramatically altered health education, particularly in the following ways:
- Increased Connectivity: The infrastructure now exists to connect people across the globe, allowing healthcare consumers to communicate with professionals and access vast amounts of web-based information. In North America alone, approximately 320 million people use the internet, with 224 million subscribing to social media platforms like Facebook (Internet World Stats, 2017).
- Improved Access to Healthcare Applications: Tens of thousands of healthcare apps are available, many for free, allowing consumers to monitor and manage their health more efficiently (Aitken & Gauntlett, 2013).
- Emergence of Consumer Informatics: The rapid growth of health informatics has led to the rise of a specialized field known as consumer health informatics, which focuses on empowering patients to manage their own health through information technologies. The American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) plays a vital role in advancing this field by fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals, researchers, and technology experts (AMIA, 2017).
Despite the significant benefits of these technological advancements, several challenges remain. One major concern is cybersecurity, which refers to the protection of computer systems from unauthorized use or harm. As more health information is stored and shared digitally, the risk of data breaches increases. The Pew Research Center reports that 35% of Americans have had their personal information compromised, and 94% of healthcare organizations have experienced cyberattacks (Rainie, 2017; Perakslis, 2014).
Another issue is the limited oversight of online content, especially on the World Wide Web. While many consumers turn to the internet for health-related information, the accuracy and quality of this information can vary widely. With the growing use of user-generated content, such as blogs and social media, there is a risk that unverified or biased information could influence healthcare decisions.
The e-Health Code of Ethics was established by the Internet Healthcare Coalition in 1997 to promote high-quality, trustworthy online health information. This code serves as a guide to ensure that consumers use the internet confidently and make informed healthcare decisions.
Conclusion
The advancement of technology has had a profound effect on nursing education, reshaping how educators teach and how learners acquire knowledge. The shift from traditional teaching methods to technology-enhanced learning environments has opened new possibilities for healthcare education. Nurse educators must embrace these changes, using technology to provide students and patients with access to accurate, reliable, and up-to-date health information.
However, along with these advancements come challenges, such as cybersecurity threats and the potential for misinformation online. As technology continues to evolve, healthcare professionals must remain vigilant in addressing these concerns and ensuring that patients and students can safely and effectively use digital tools in their education and healthcare management.
Technology will continue to transform nursing education and healthcare, creating opportunities for innovation and improvement. Nurse educators are at the forefront of this revolution, guiding the next generation of healthcare providers through an increasingly digital world.