Smart Health 2006 Focus on Technology Minnesota Rural

Smart Health 2006: Focus on Technology Minnesota Rural Health Conference Duluth MN

Minnesota State University Moorhead Nursing Department Barbara J. Matthees, Ph. D. , 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? ?