Authors

  1. Beitz, Janice M. PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN

Article Content

Active learning in the classroom has a track record of success. When active learning processes are combined with digital technology, learning opportunities have a "24-7" availability. A software offering this dual power is Padlet. A free digital application promoting creative collaboration, Padlet is available at http://www.padlet.com. Signing up can be completed via handheld device or laptop/desktop computer. I use Padlet as a "Welcome Wall." On the first day of class, I ask students to introduce themselves and tell their clinical backgrounds/interests. The Padlet "Wall" (an attractive visual canvas) allows students to identify themselves and participate by double-clicking and typing. Padlet is also helpful when I teach undergraduate pharmacology. I create a beautiful canvas with patient cases. One scenario I present involves a young married woman with a foot infection. I post her routine medications plus request comments on her infection-related drug therapy. I ask students what additional information they need. Then, I post new information (she is diabetic, pregnant, and had extremity trauma) and solicit comments. I use several Padlets and debrief in class using the Padlets with the students. Using Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) format questions1 (What else do you need to know? What questions would you ask to obtain this information? Do you see any drug safety issues?), the case provides a framework for teaching patient safety. I also use Padlet for test preparation, permitting students to write questions at any time of the day. (A sample Padlet is in Supplemental Digital Content, available at https://padlet.com/janice_beitz/xj302cp2qwh7). Padlet exercises place students at patients' bedsides promoting clinical imagination to anticipate and avoid care errors-a simple but effective technique.

 

Reference

 

1. Quality and Safety Education for Nurses. Teaching strategies. Available at http://www.qsen.org/teaching-strategies. Accessed September 25, 2018. [Context Link]