Educator Role & Responsibilities: The

Online Learning Environment

Elizabeth Schultz, BSN, RN, CNOR

Assistant Nurse Manager

Department of Anesthesia

Kaiser Permanente

Student Learning Outcomes

• Dispel myths of online learning.

• Demonstrate proper online etiquette (netiquette).

• Compare and contrast the role of the online

educator and the traditional classroom educator.

• State the pros and cons of online learning.

Directions

• Complete pretest

• Listen and review power point

• Answer the discussion question posted:

– 100-150 words (example)

– At least two relevant peer reviewed references

– APA format

– Complete initial post by Wednesday at 1930

• Responses:

– Respond to two of your classmates discussion posts

– 50-75 word

– APA format

– Complete responses by Friday at 2359

• Complete post test

Many of us obtained our original nursing education from a diploma or associate degree program.

In these programs we had minimal exposure to nursing theorists and theory. These programs are excellent at

producing nurses educated in the fundamentals that will enable them to provide bedside care to patients in a

short period of time. According to Hidle (2011), only 16-20% of associate degree nurses go on to advanced

degrees. She also states that a direct correlation between level of nursing education and patient outcomes

has been identified. More specifically, the National Council of State Board of Nursing (NCSBN), stated that in

2007, associate degree prepared nurses made up more than half of the nursing workforce (Hidle, 2011).

Statistics prove that there is an obvious difference in the education provided to BSN versus ADN students,

which includes a focus on nursing theory. Alligood and Marriner-Tomey (2010) state that nurses who actively

use nursing theory in their care delivery, produce better patient outcomes due to their ability to sort data

quickly, make appropriate decisions and have expected outcomes.

It is imperative that nurses learn the background (theory) of their practice, in order to fully

understand what separates them from other medical professionals. Aggleton and Chalmers (2000, p. 9), state

that until we learn to value ourselves and the specific contributions we bring to patient care, we will continue

to take a subservient role to the physicians (as cited by McCrae, 2011). Alligood and Marriner-Tomey (2010),

agree with the words of Aggleton and Chalmers (2009, p.9), stating that theory fosters autonomy across the

professional spectrum. It is often argued that nursing theory is incompatible with evidenced based practice.

According to Attree (2001), compassion and empathy are two of the most valued skills nurses provide, yet

they are the least backed by scientific evidence (as cited by McCrae, 2011). Knowing the basis of where

nursing began and where it is going, allows nurses the opportunity to feel pride in the care that they provide.

Without that knowledge, we are just robots “doing it the way we always have.”

PREV

Writing Sample:

Myths

• Less Expensive

• No value

• Unable to get into a real school

• Easier programs

• Person has little comittment

Netiquette Guidelines

Online

• Professor must check in

multiple times (often

daily)

• No direct contact with

students

• Professor has ability to

teach ANYWHERE

• Student driven

• “Guide on the side”

Traditional

• Set class times

• Face-to-face contact with

students

• Often teacher centered

• “Sage on the stage”

Educator Role

• Able to take classes

ANYWHERE

• Flexibility for

busy/working adults

• Self-paced

• Cost ?

• Anonymity

Pros to Online Learning

• Students can fall behind

• Difficult if lacking IT skills

• More time commitment

• Weekly discussions are often “mini-papers”

• No face-to-face time with professors

• Lack the hands on learning that many adult learners need

Cons to Online Learning

Initial post (APA/100-150 words) 4

At least one APA cited reference 1

Response (APA/100-150 words) 2

Completion of pre and post-test 3

Grading Rubric

How are participation points calculated?

• Complete post-test

• Post your discussion response (by Wed. at

1930)

• Respond to your classmates (by Friday at 2359)

– Be sure to include references and proper APA

documentation.

Final Directions

• Alligood, M. R., & Marriner-Tomey, A. (2010). Nursing theorists and their work (7th

ed.). Maryland Heights: Mosby-Elsevier.

• Cartoon 16 [cartoon]. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://www.theenglishteacheronline.com/illustrated-teaching-online/

• E-learning [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.mikes-

beachresort.com/padi-e-learning.php

• Frustrated woman computer. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://nojesguiden.se/blogg/soraya-hashim/frustrated-woman-computer

• Heuer, B., & King, K. (2004). Leading the band: The role of the instructor in online

learning for educators. The Journal of Interactive Online Learning, 3(1), 1-11.

• Hidle, U. (2011). The role of professional values in motivating associate degree

nursing students to pursue higher nursing education. International Journal Of Nursing

Education. 3(2), 128-132.

• McCrae, N. (2012). Whither Nursing Models? The value of nursing theory in the

context of evidence-based practice and multidisciplinary health care. Journal of

Advanced Nursing, 68(1), 222-229. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2648.2011.05821.

• Point Loma Nazarene University School of Nursing. (2015). Netiquette. Retrieved

from https://canvas.pointloma.edu/courses20521/pages/netiquette-guidelines

References