Interactivity Tools

Introduction

Learners desire, in most cases, an interactive learning environment.  Technology can be an optimum way to maximize interactive teaching/learning. This concept encompasses many areas include, but are not limited to: from interactive online classes with synchronous activity; using Audience Response Systems (ARS); and virtual reality environments. Any system that allows the learner to respond individually and is self-directed could be considered interactive learning. ARS has been discussed on a previous page and can be seen as a method of interacting with learning. When we discuss learning centered activities these are interactive methods of gaining competency and most learning activities have some interactive methods. Most educators would agree that more interaction means a higher level of learning will occur. Interactivity allows for instant feedback which can add to the quality of the learning.  Using simulation and story-telling are both other methods of interacting to learn quicker and easier.  Video streaming may also be considered interactive as the learner can stop, move forward or re-wind the video for better understanding.  Self-paced presentations such as audio Powerpoints and Prezis can be considered interactive. Below are other categories that fit the description of interactive learning.

Interactive video conferencing

I have referred to several methods of conferencing that can be used by teachers and learners and can be found on the Communication page of this blog. Other systems can be considered such as satellite and phone conferencing systems that allow video feeds along with the audio.  The internet has allowed learners to talk to anyone around the world wherever there is a satellite connection.

Virtual Healthcare Worlds

The thought of walking into a world that can be completely controlled for the learner in an ideal learning environment has been in existence for quite a long time.  The past 10 years virtual health and education worlds have come into existence.  The consumer was initially impressed the consumer. After further investigation most virtual worlds require a great deal of learning how to function within the world before learning the content can occur.  We can use an example such as the movie, Avatar, and how it took a while for the new person in the virtual world to adjust to their environment.  Second Life has been an established virtual world that boasts of one million users.  This is a website and program that allows the users to develop their own character (avatar) and move through a virtual world. Within SecondLife there are virtual hospitals, clinics and nursing schools, but because of the extensive learning involved, Second Life has never really caught on in healthcare. The creator is now since 2013 focused on the next generation of virtual worlds and hopes this will be more successful.  Here is the link about Phil Rosedale and his new ideas.

Other Interactive Programs

Below is an excellent example of how technology can be used in an interactive form.  The video shows an example of how the program works.  This link allows the learner to move forward or backward in sizes from the whole universe to the smallest of known substances in the universe.  Who developed this program?
Watch the video first then read at the very bottom of the page to find out about the authors.

Another exam is Body Maps.  An interactive program that shows different anatomical systems.
You will find many different sources of interactive programming online.  Here's another example of a three dimensional picture of the brain. Merlot is an open educational site that some educators' use.  You can add your own programs within Merlot as you develop them.  Just by searching a topic  in Merlot most of the programs here are interactive learning experiences.Can you guess what area of the body this picture below is taken? Click here to find out.

Laerdal and many other companies are attempting to design interactive programs that would mimic a hospital setting.  Here is one example called VSim for Nursing. This link shows a short video about the system. Patient scenarios are programmed and then the nurse responds to the situation as an unfolding case study.





Here is a site called For Nurses Everywhere.info.  This has multiple examples.  One that might be good for teaching muscle movement  from the University of Michigan is particularly helpful with actual movies of the different movements. This would be great to teach or re-learn movements. Free Nurse Tutor is another free site that has movies and games that students and learners can use. One in particular that is good is pain response by Bayer.

This topic is pretty endless as you can imagine.  Search terms include: interactive,learning tools, and nursing education to find many additional resources. It is important that you pay attention to the site names before clicking as menacing malware and viruses may be hiding.  The words at the beginning of the URL should be familar before attempting to click on the URL.  An example is this website starting with "www.blogger.com..."

Two 14 year old twin brothers and it was not part of a school project.