The Integration of Technology into Nursing Curricula: Supporting Faculty via the Technology Fellowship Program

Abstract

Computer technologies have opened the door to many new teaching approaches for nurse educators. However, the challenges facing faculty who did not ‘grow up’ in the computer age continue to be a focus of concern. The rapid expansion of electronic learning environments has increased the need to bridge the gap between the generational cohort of many educators and that of today’s learners. Teaching with technology is a learned skill, not an intuitive one; and it involves considerably more knowledge and skill than knowing how to use a computer. Programs are needed to enable faculty to incorporate technology into their repertoire of teaching strategies. The purpose of this article is to describe a Technology Fellowship Program (TFP) designed to assist faculty as they develop technological competencies to enhance their teaching skills. The article will describe one University’s initiation of a TFP, the School of Nursing’s faculty involvement in the Program, the implementation of a technology-learning project, and an evaluation that identified desirable qualities of a technology mentor, described the learning experience, and noted resources needed to increase the use of technology by faculty.