Virtual Realities and Second Life
Nursing education continues to change with the many different advancements in technology. Some of these advancements include: virtual realities and second life, high tech simulations, podcasts, and hand-held computers in the classroom. Nurse educators should implement the use of these technological advancements in the classroom to allow for a more innovative and interactive learning environment.
Virtual realities
and second life allows educators to provide opportunities for students to
gather together and use teamwork and collaboration to provide all the necessary
care. This virtual world allows for students to develop a knowledge base of
many different disease processes, treatments, and procedures without causing
harm to live patients. Students will have the ability to practice nursing care
and learn from their mistakes. It will also allow for them to develop
confidence and competence to provide excellent, holistic care to patients.
A nursing
educator can use this advancement in technology to develop simulated realities
of different case studies that students may encounter as new nursing graduates.
Educators can encourage and require students to use teamwork and collaboration
to develop and practice nursing care of many different case studies. The use of second life and virtual realities allow students to develop and practice skills and learn from mistakes, without causing harm.
