Smart Health 2006: Focus on Technology

Minnesota Rural Health Conference

Duluth MN

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Nursing Department

Barbara J. Matthees, PhD., RN

218-477-2695 or matthees@mnstate.edu

Context

• MSUM established in 1885

• MS Teacher’s college in 1921

• No RN-to-BSN option locally

• Large number of RNs needing BSN

Context (cont.)

• First RN-to-BSN students admitted 1976

• ND required BSN for RN licensure

• Articulation agreements

• Continuously accredited since 1981

MSUM On-line Offerings

• Nursing: RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

• Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership

• Teaching and Learning with Technology, Certificate Program

• Bachelor of Science in Operations Management

RN to BSN Students

• Currently licensed RNs

• Working

• Families and other obligations

• Frequently ‘older than average’

Distance education

• Classes one or two days/evenings per week

• Traveling faculty• Interactive TV• On-line:

– Hybrid with classes and/or ITV– Fully on-line– Accredited program Spring 2005

Keys to success

• Infrastructures– Instructional Technology staff and software

• Administrative support– CTL grants, Faculty development grants– Training for individual faculty and groups

• Champions for on-line within the department

• Flexibility and willingness to try and fail

Student Supports

• Some keys to students’ academic success and satisfaction– Technology support for students and faculty– On-line and packaged options– Access to University services

• Bookstore• Registration and records• Business office (financial aid, tuition, etc.)

– Library Resources on-line

Challenges

• Re-think ‘education’ and the faculty/student roles

• Technological issues

• IMS related learning curves

• Clinical experiences and supervision

Benefits

• Students remain in the workforce

• Students maintain their support systems

• Discussions offer ‘quiet’ students opportunities to participate

• Flexibility within set parameters

Questions??