Authors

  1. Riley, Elizabeth DNP, PED-BC, RNC-NIC, CNE
  2. Rainey, Larronda DNP, RN
  3. Steele, Taylor MNSc, RN, CPN
  4. English, Beverly MNSc, RN, CPN

Article Content

Using visual cue cards in a synchronous environment is one method to promote active learning. In a prelicensure pediatric nursing course, visual cue cards were used to help students learn about the most common pediatric genetic disorders. Students were placed into groups of no more than 10 students each and given 6 visual cue cards with pictures that created a clinical picture. The topics used were trisomy 21, phenylketonuria, teratogenic deficiencies, and cleft lip/palate. Each group was tasked with correctly identifying the disorder and outlining the nursing implications to promote patient- and family-centered care. Students were instructed to put their names on a blank piece of paper, write their thoughts about what each cue card meant or clinical manifestation they identified, and then identify the overall disorder. Next, students described 3 to 5 major nursing interventions or patient education topics for their identified clinical disorder. The students were given 10 to 15 minutes for this activity, followed by a presentation to the rest of the class. While this activity was used in an in-person environment, it could also be used in the online synchronous environment using the breakout room feature in web conferencing software and digital copies of the visual cue cards. Developing active learning assignments that can easily transition between the classroom and online environments is of value to the nurse educator teaching in various learning environments.