Teaching technology innovations in public health nursing education

It is possible to promote real-world learning experiences and at the same time increase students' digital-age skills, such as synthesizing information and creating effective communication with digital media technology. Two faculty present their experiences facilitating public health nursing students' adventures into the world of creating digital media, including advanced PowerPoint presentations, websites, and digital video.

An assignment was created in a senior public health nursing course because faculty were increasingly aware that many populations were not well-served by traditional means of communicating health promotion information, such as print brochures that are handed to clients. Increasingly, electronic sources of health promotion information are sought after and used by consumers. In addition, public health nurses are using technology, such as presentation technology and web sites, to reach the clients they serve. Media literacy and the ability to communicate effectively using digital media are increasingly important skills for students in nursing and public health.

Presenters will describe the purpose and objectives of the health promotion technology assignment. Skills used in digital media design are delineated. Practical tips on constructing media assignments, guiding learning, and developing grading rubrics are described. Examples of students' media products will be shared with the audience.

Students had the option of creating media products which would benefit their clinical agency partners or could develop one for a hypothetical population. Many students chose to work with local public health staff to develop products such as advanced PowerPoint (having video/audio components) or digital videos which were to be used with specific populations in the area. Student and agency evaluation of these digital products will be shared with the audience.

Evaluations of the assignment, process, and products support the use of digital media assignments as a way to both promote learning and increase students' media communication skills. Connecting the assignment to real world public health staff needs helps students see the utility and value of their media products.