Professional Development
Courses & Resources
Heidi Mortensen

Heidi MortensenCHEP

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Heidi Mortensen
Heidi Mortensen CHEP
Discussion Comment
Asynchronous communication
Asynchronous communication is an important element in my discussion board for online students. Being able to enter into a discussion posting area at any time of day or night is a fantastic benefit of this form of communication. Educational technology for the support of asynchronous communication is necessary (Han, Nelson, & Wetter, 2014).
 Reference
 Han, H., Nelson, E., & Wetter, N. (2014). Medical students' online learning technology needs.
Clin Teach. 11(1):15-9.
Heidi Mortensen
Heidi Mortensen CHEP
Discussion Comment
Revising
Revisions of course work are sometimes necessary. I really appreciate the need to revise my courses continuously. Phillippi and Schorn’s (2011) research indicated that having a revision process “demonstrates effective use of a variety of teaching modalities to enhance student learning” (p. 410). Reference Phillippi, J. C., & Schorn, M. N. (2011). Course revision: from unidirectional knowledge to dynamic application. J Nurs Educ. 50(7):410-3. doi: 10.3928/01484834-20110228-03. Epub 2011 Feb 28.
Heidi Mortensen
Heidi Mortensen CHEP
Discussion Comment
Assessment
Assessment of course programs is so essential! Carefully assessing what works and what doesn't is vital to creating the most optimal learning environment. Mcnulty et. al (2014) noted the importance of formative evaluation of quizzes for course programs. Reference McNulty, J. A., Espiritu, B. R., Hoyt, A. E., Ensminger, D. C., & Chandrasekhar, A. J. (2014). Associations between formative practice quizzes and summative examination outcomes in a medical anatomy course. Anat Sci Educ. doi: 10.1002/ase.1442. [Epub ahead of print]
Heidi Mortensen
Heidi Mortensen CHEP
Discussion Comment
Communication
Communication to students is absolutely vital! Daniel and Wilfong (2014) emphasize the value of communication in the healthcare field. Working in the medical field, I especially realize the need for communication in ALL venues (in the workplace, online, etc.). In online courses, I work hard to minimize potential communication barriers. Reference Daniel, L. & Wilfong, D. (2014). Empowering interprofessional teams to perform effective handoffs through online hybrid simulation education. Crit Care Nurs Q.37(2):225-9. doi: 10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000023.
Heidi Mortensen
Heidi Mortensen CHEP
Discussion Comment
Creating Exams
Creating exams requires careful and understanding of student needs. Revisions and testing of exams is necessary to make certain they are optimal for a given student population. Research done on the importance of increasing students' “motivation for comprehensive learning using automatically added contextual questions in electronic examinations” and the usefulness of carefully preparing examination data (Baumann & Perlitz, 2011, p. 351). Reference Baumann, M, & Perlitz, V. (2011). Can contextual online exams in practical biomedical education increase comprehension and motivation?: a pilot project. Biomed Tech 56(6):351-8. doi: 10.1515/BMT.2011.027.
Heidi Mortensen
Heidi Mortensen CHEP
Discussion Comment
graphics
Using graphics in my lectures brings the subject matter alive. A study noted the use of graphics was helpful for online learners to visualize the complexity of a given topic that would have been otherwise more difficult to put the graphical concept into words (Longmuir, 2014). Reference Longumuir, K. J. (2014). Interactive computer-assisted instruction in acid-base physiology for mobile computer platforms. Adv Physiol Educ. 38(1):34-41. doi: 10.1152/advan.00083.2013.
Heidi Mortensen
Heidi Mortensen CHEP
Discussion Comment
Online Chats
Chats in online sessions can be invaluable. Of course, it is also important to be cognizant of the potential drawbacks to chat sessions such as slower typists not being 'heard' as quickly. However, chats can be very helpful; chat discussions have proven to be very valuable in clinical online learning environments (Silva, Furegato, & Godoy, 2008.) Reference Silva, E. C., Furegato, A. R., Godoy, Sd. (2008). Clinical case studies in mental health by means of the on-line discussion. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. 16(3):425-31.
Heidi Mortensen
Heidi Mortensen CHEP
Discussion Comment
Online Lectures
Lecturing in an online environment needs consideration for the target audience and technology capabilities. When I present healthcare related topics, integrating problem-based learning within the lecture is a wonderful way to optimally reach my audience. I also must understand the limitations of the technology I'm working with. Al-Azri and Ratnapalan (2014) noted that online problem-base learning is a great means of presenting continuing medical education. Reference Al-Azri, H., & Ratnapalan, S.(2014). Problem-based learning in continuing medical education: Review of randomized controlled trials. Can Fam Physician. 60(2):157-65.
Heidi Mortensen
Heidi Mortensen CHEP
Discussion Comment
Navigation through an Online Course

Navigation ease is very crucial for well developed online course. It is very necessary to assess the most optimal way for students to be able to easily navigate through courses. This module was great to point out the need for students to be able to find their way through the online environment. Formative assessment methods were noted are a means of providing essential information to course developers, emphasizing the necessity to maintain user friendly navigation techniques (Skye, Wimsatt, Master-Hunter, & Locke, 2011). Reference Skye, E. P., Wimsatt, L. A., Master-Hunter, T. A.,& Locke, A. B. (2011). Developing online learning modules… >>>

Heidi Mortensen
Heidi Mortensen CHEP
Discussion Comment
Managing Students in the Online World

It is really important to understand your students’ personality types to make the online course work. Knowing how to channel disruptive behaviors and encourage quiet students to participate may not be easy but very important. What a great module to really speak to this need. Knowing your population of students is truly important. Online learning in nursing in the UK is showing promise; these programs are addressing the needs of learners in this changing world that is welcoming online systems (Purkis & Gabb, 2013). Even though our world is becoming more tech savvy, it’s always important to really look at… >>>

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