Keyword

Online systems education, technology mediated instructional design, nursing, best practices, adult learning principles

Abstract

The demand for a flexible educational opportunity led to the ‘anytime, anywhere’ distance learning based on technology-mediated instructional designs. Such educational design integrates a multi-sensory approach to maximize learning opportunities and outcomes. Learning in this format is goal-oriented and centered on the learner, driven by personal situations of time and distance, as well as work and family responsibility constraints. This paper examines effective facilitation methods for online teaching and principles of best practices for use in an online nursing learning program. The aim of such a review is to ensure adequate online instructional designs the goal of which is to maximize students’ learning opportunities and outcomes. The needs of online learners reflect those of face-to-face learners and more due to physical and geographical distance. The unique characteristics of the learner and the adult learning principles guide the behaviors of the instructor in online nursing programs. Effective facilitation methods of online teaching entail commitment on the part of the management in educational institution in creating an integrative learning environment that promotes a sense of community, social presence, and connectedness with resources that facilitate personal and collective interactions between and among faculty and students.


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