4 Corners Newsletter - Vol 2 - Central Queensland University

TEACHING WITH TECHNOLOGY
Melissa Hulme, Laboratory Supervisor/Instructor (Health) at CQUni, believes
that teaching with technology opens the door to many new teaching
approaches for nurse educators, but it is a learned skill that involves
considerable knowledge and ability.
“The compelling need for technological
fluency and competency among nurse
educators has increased with the introduction
of simulation models such as SimMan 3G and
hi-tech computer teaching aids,” says Melissa.
“While these technological innovations allow
for more choices, enhanced faculty-student
interaction, and variations in learning, the
nurse educators still need to incorporate the
technology into their repertoire of teaching
strategies.”
Melissa heads a multi-expertise technical
support team of five that provides highquality
and effective technical support to
nurse educators across four campuses
– Rockhampton, Mackay, Bundaberg and
Noosa.
“The team provides resources that
simulate real life experiences, from the
paperwork they might expect to use in a clinic
to wound exudate that is “real’ looking,” says
Melissa. “We provide pathology trays that
mirror exactly the equipment that would be
used for venipuncture; chest drains that are
used currently in industry; and a resuscitation
trolley that reflects current industry standard.”
These are just a couple of examples of what
we provide.
Each technician identifies the academics’
diverse needs and oversees the progress of
all programs at their campus. The technical
staff are provided the Laboratory requirements
by the Course Coordinator and then discuss
the needs of the academic in relation to that
list for each campus. Prior to each teaching
program the technician is on hand to assist in
the set up of the labs and where necessary
to demonstrate the use and features of
the technology, and during the class the
technician is available to operate mannequins
and address any technical issues that arise.
“The team understand the potential
of current learning technologies and are
adept at liaising with academics, students
and stakeholders across disciplines at the
university,” says Melissa. “For example,
with the recent course accreditation, we
are required to have one Nursing Annie
mannequin for every second bed across
four campuses and infusion pumps for every
second bed at each campus, which involves
a lot of functionality and capability training.
Plus, there is the ongoing training of the new
SimMan 3G at Noosa campus to ensure that
it is utilised to its full potential.
Melissa says communication is important
and her team ensures all academics receive
‘multi-point support’ and encourage the
academics to discuss their needs to the
technical staff to ensure a quality educational
environment including technical training
workshops, one on one meetings, and face
to face support to ensure that the labs are set
up to accommodate student numbers.
“It’s important that we utilise the time of
academics and technical staff effectively,
and it is critical to the ongoing improvement
of the program that we have the opportunity
to discuss concerns and develop good
practice with technologies in teaching.
In addition, the team relies on anecdotal
evidence from student’s perception and
experience of the technology and the effects
on student learning. Ongoing modifications
and enhancements are made so the final
deliverable is aligned with best educational
practice and reflect industry changes.
The team itself relies on video links for
meetings and catch-ups, and retains close
network ties to the industry and foster
relationships with local clinical educators to
remain abreast of industry standards. “The
best part of the job is the ongoing contact we
have with the students,” says Melissa. “You
see the growth from first to third year students,
and it is wonderful to be a part of that.”
Strengthening
regional
relationships
In July, Professor Ysanne
Chapman and Assoc Professor
Melanie Birks attended the
2012 Nursing and Allied Health
Conference in Malaysia themed
‘Evidence and Practice: the
twain shall meet’ to converse on
evidence based practice (EBP)
across all medical fields.
“The Malaysian hosts
were welcoming, friendly
and talked of developing a
continuing relationship with the
School,” said Ysanne. “It was
a dynamic conference, where
new professional friendships
were forged with nursing
and allied health colleagues,
possible projects discussed with
researchers in Malaysia, as well
as potential higher degrees by
research students.
“For the vivacious and everpopular
Melanie, it was an
opportunity to reconnect with past
colleagues and students.”
Melanie Birks learnt how to throw a
poison dart from a Borneo tribesman.
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