1
Educational Technology Needs Assessment 1
Name
Department, University
Course Code-Course Name
Professor
Date
2
Introduction
Nursing education incorporates theoretical and practical components that in the past
mostly depended on textbooks, lectures, and clinical rotations. Nevertheless, through the
advancement of technology, many choices are available beyond the traditional methods of
learning, which improve learning and prepare the students well in clinical practice. According to
a meta-analysis published in 2022, the use of educational technology tools has the ability to
substantially boost patient satisfaction and overall quality of life while also helping nurses and
nursing students give more effective care (Rezayi et al., 2022). Ensuring that educational
technology effectively supports nursing education is a constant challenge. As the director of
nursing education, the responsibility lies in discerning the efficacy of current technologies,
identifying performance gaps, and crafting improvements that directly impact patient outcomes.
This comprehensive needs assessment aims to unravel the current state of educational technology
in Cleveland Clinic, setting the stage for informed decision-making and transformative
enhancements.
How Educational Technology Is Currently Being Used By Nurses
Nursing students experience a great deal of anxiety and tension when they are exposed to
an actual clinical setting for the first time since they are unsure of how to handle clinical
situations and are not fully cognizant of the actual state of the nursing duties (Maeland et al.,
2021). The clinical educator therefore uses simulation equipment to provide a controlled
environment for nurses to practice and advance clinical skills. As such, simulation based learning
provides healthcare teams with an opportunity to practice clinical skills within a safe
environment on the basis of realistic situations (Kourakos & Kafkia, 2020).
3
The utilization of simulation mannequins in the academic setting at this clinic has
significantly impacted the delivery of effective knowledge and skills to nursing students.
Nevertheless, comprehending the complete ramifications of introducing these mannequins in the
classroom remains challenging, particularly given the influential role of nursing educators in
shaping the knowledge provision process. For instance, an educator may possess all the required
tools, yet their attitude can significantly influence the effectiveness of education delivery to
students. Moreover, educators might not be uniformly familiar with emerging technologies,
including the new simulation mannequins. These aspects should be taken into account when
assessing the current usage of these mannequins. The assumption of standardized educational
delivery could impact the description of current usage, as variations in educators' attitudes and
technological proficiency can potentially shape the true impact of the mannequins in advancing
educational technology. This emphasizes the need to consider not only the tools themselves but
also the diverse approaches and competencies of educators in the educational ecosystem.
SWOT Analysis
A SWOT analysis is a technique for evaluating and comprehending the internal and
external factors that could present opportunities or threats to an organization.
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
- The dynamic versatility of simulation mannequins - Limited educator proficiency in
allows them to satisfy a variety of learning demands. utilizing the new technology
- The application of real-life scenarios fosters
experiential learning excellence.
- Limited accessibility due to a scarcity
of mannequins and associated costs.
- Demonstrated effectiveness in niche learning
scenarios and hands-on classes.
- Varied Attitudes and Competencies
Among Educators.
Opportunities:
Threats:
- facilitates additional in-house training, reducing - The ever-evolving tech landscape poses a
reliance on external third-party services.
risk of obsolescence.
4
Opportunities:
Threats:
- Opening avenues for comprehensive teaching in - Competitive pressures from institutions
nursing and healthcare education.
boasting higher fidelity mannequins.
The present utilization of existing educational technology by nurses demonstrates
competency, yet a strategic evolution is warranted. Consideration should be given to
incorporating simulation training as a prerequisite for nursing educators. This strategic move
acknowledges the evolving nature of nursing education, where simulation classes are
increasingly vital. Providing educators with this firsthand experience not only enriches their own
understanding but also ensures they can effectively guide nursing students through these
immersive learning scenarios. Moreover, the dynamic nature of technology introduces a
challenge in keeping pace, particularly given the considerable cost associated with specialized
fidelity mannequins. It is imperative for nurses to approach these technologies with a nuanced
understanding, recognizing that while simulation is a valuable tool, its effectiveness relies on an
in-depth comprehension of the core principles rather than mere assumption. This approach
becomes particularly pertinent as nurses transition to practical settings, where the real-world
dynamics often differ from the simulated environment. These conclusions are derived from a
nuanced analysis of the evolving educational landscape and the need for adaptive strategies in
nursing training.
Metrics Employed to Assess the Benefits of Current Educational Technology Use
The evaluation of metrics for the present use of educational technology, particularly in
the realm of simulation, necessitates a strategic approach to ensure efficacy and endurance. This
is because using technology can be problematic, especially in determining whether learning has
occurred or not (Leitao et al., 2022) Engaging metrics such as activity completion rates, learner
drop-off rates, and the time to complete a course offer valuable insights into the interactive
5
nature of the educational technology. Also, it is imperative to delve deeper into the sustainability
aspect. Are the current educational technologies poised to withstand the test of time? Ensuring
their prolonged utility is essential, considering the substantial resources invested. Sustainability
extends beyond the immediate and should guarantee continued effectiveness even amidst the
emergence of new technologies. Best practices dictate the inclusion of indicators, such as the
adaptability of current technologies to evolving educational needs and the cost-effectiveness of
their maintenance. Regularly reassessing and updating metrics in alignment with the dynamic
healthcare and technological landscape ensures their continued relevance. Collaborative efforts
with industry peers to establish benchmarks and share insights can further enhance the quality,
interpretation, and utilization of data. This holistic approach aims to not only measure immediate
engagement but also assess the enduring value and adaptability of current educational
technologies in advancing nursing knowledge.
Technology’s Impact on the Organizational Mission
The integration of new and existing educational technology at the Cleveland Clinic
harmonizes seamlessly with its mission of "Caring for life, researching for health, educating
those who serve." By embracing cutting-edge educational tools, the organization ensures a wellequipped workforce, aligning with its commitment to holistic patient care. Additionally, these
technologies contribute to ongoing research efforts and facilitate the education of healthcare
professionals, reinforcing the clinic's dedication to advancing health knowledge and serving the
broader healthcare community. This strategic alignment underscores the pivotal role of
educational technology in realizing the clinic's multifaceted mission.
Recommendations
6
Maximizing the potential of existing educational technology, particularly the simulation
lab, is paramount for elevating nursing education in this hospital setting. Recognizing the
underutilization of this valuable resource, I recommend implementing targeted training sessions
for nursing educators and staff nurses on simulation technology. These sessions are set to unlock
the full potential of simulation technology since, according to Steadman et al. (2006), simulationbased learning improves problem-solving, critical assessment, and patient management skills.
Also, by making simulation training a prerequisite for nursing educators, we not only empower
them with advanced proficiency but also standardize its integration across various programs.
This strategic approach ensures consistent and effective use, fostering a transformative impact on
the learning experience for nurse
Conclusion
The needs assessment provides a foundation for strategic improvements in nursing
education technology. A SWOT analysis identifies strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and
threats, guiding evidence-based recommendations. This process sets the stage for informed
decision-making, aligning educational technology with organizational goals and fostering
advancements in patient outcomes and nursing staff performance.
7
References
Kourakos, M., & Kafkia, T. (2020). Use of simulation technology in teaching nursing clinical
skills. International Journal of Entertainment Technology and Management, 1(1), 95.
https://doi.org/10.1504/ijenttm.2020.105676
Leitao, G., Colonna, J., Monteiro, E., Oliveira, E., & Barreto, R. (2022, September 22). New
Metrics for Learning Evaluation in Digital Education Platforms. Cornell University.
https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2006.14711
Maeland, M. K., Tingvatn, B. S., Rykkje, L., & Drageset, S. (2021). Nursing Education:
Students’ Narratives of Moral Distress in Clinical Practice. Nursing Reports, 11(2), 291–
300. https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep11020028
Rezayi, S., Amanollahi, A., Shahmoradi, L., Rezaei, N., Katigari, M. R., Zolfaghari, M., &
Manafi, B. (2022). Effects of technology-based educational tools on nursing learning
outcomes in intensive care units: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Medical
Education, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-022-03810-z
Steadman, R. H., Coates, W. C., Huang, Y. M., Matevosian, R., Larmon, B. R., McCullough, L.,
& Ariel, D. (2006). Simulation-based training is superior to problem-based learning for
the acquisition of critical assessment and management skills. Critical Care Medicine,
34(1), 151–157. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ccm.0000190619.42013.94