Literature Circles Online: Practical Strategies for Creating a Reading Culture using Technology

Providing opportunities and learning environments on-line where students are actively engaged and feel in control of their own learning experiences, encourages lifelong learning skills development such as independence, problem-solving and higher order thinking. Discrete on-line environments can also use the functionality of the technology to facilitate different learning styles and provide a 'safe' environment where students can explore and experiment before presenting their ideas to a larger audience. This paper considers current research and the importance of the fiction collection in the development of literacy outcomes for all students. It also examines an interactive on-line module that: incorporates the concept of literature or reading circles to promote reading; the development of higher order literacy skills and encourages the development of a reading culture. The on-line module was developed using a model that utilizes an holistic approach to learning to create a seamless learning environment where students work within a structured framework that is designed to foster independent learning and teamwork.

Comparing Educational Outcomes of Online Module-Based Technology with and without Simulation on Attitudes Toward Care of the Dying in Second Semester BSN Students

Background: Opportunities to provide competent and compassionate End-of Life (EOL) care to patients and families are limited for nursing students. Method: A mixed methods approach was used to explore the students' attitudes towards caring for an EOL patient in two groups: an on-line-module only group and an on-line module plus simulation group. Results: Statistically significant effect of time was found across the two conditions (F [1, 69] = 7.83, p = .007), indicating that scores on the FATCOD-B significantly improved regardless of the condition over time. The qualitative responses indicated that the simulation experience was more impactful than the on-line module. Conclusions: Innovative education modalities described in the study may assist in preparing the future workforce for the myriad of demands related to health, life, and death.