Compare the features, benefits, and capabilities of two versions of a similar technology that can be used for teaching, learning, or assessment.

Note: Each assessment in this course builds upon the work you have completed in previous assessments. Therefore, complete the assessments in the order in which they are presented.

When comparing educational technologies and evaluating their suitability for particular teaching and learning situations, it is important to determine how nurse educators will use the technology and how well it fits into the organization’s existing nursing education strategy. Successful integration of new or updated technology into the nursing education environment depends on how well you understand the role of technology in education and training. When considering new technologies, it is sometimes easy to let a product’s impressive but non-value-added bells and whistles influence decision making, which could have an adverse impact on learning outcomes.

This assessment provides an opportunity for you to examine the capabilities of a selected type of educational technology, how it is used in specific educational settings, and how it can be integrated into an existing nursing education program.

Note: Complete the assessments in this course in the order in which they are presented.

Whether your needs assessment identified shortfalls in the use of current educational technology, the need for an upgrade to existing technology, or the need for new technology, you know that knowledge of current technologies is key to making informed decisions when considering improvements to existing educational programs. Consequently, you have decided to examine the features, capabilities, and benefits of comparable educational technologies you are either planning to incorporate into your educational program now or would consider as a potential future acquisition.

To prepare for the assessment, you are encouraged to identify two similar educational technologies for comparison and the teaching and learning situations this type technology is best suited for. In addition, you may wish to review the assessment requirements and scoring guide to ensure you understand the work you will be asked to complete.

Note: As you revise your writing, check out the resources listed on the Writing Center’s Writing Support page.

The following resources are required to complete the assessment.

Templates

Use this template for your technology comparison:

• Comparing Technologies Template [DOCX] Download Comparing Technologies Template [DOCX].

Compare two versions of a similar technology that can be used for teaching, learning, or assessment in nursing education. Then, determine which teaching and learning situations the technology is best suited for and how it can be incorporated into a specific nursing education program.

For example:

• E-learning technologies, such as Storyline, Articulate, and Captivate.
• Technologies for presenting lectures or classroom activities remotely, such as Adobe Connect and GoToMeeting.
• Learning management systems (LMSs) for managing coursework, e-learning, and tracking learner progress, such as Brightspace, Taleo, and PeopleSoft Enterprise Learning Management, Health Stream, Net Learning.
• Online courserooms, such as Blackboard, Canvas, and Moodle.
• Technologies for assessing learning outcomes, such as e-portfolios, testing software, and surveys.
• Technologies to enhance learner interactivity, such as gamification and virtual reality technologies.
• Presentation technologies, such as PowerPoint and Prezi.
• High-, medium-, and low-fidelity simulation equipment or software, such as simulation manikins and body-part models.

The technology comparison requirements, outlined below, correspond to the grading criteria in the scoring guide, so be sure to address each point. Read the performance-level descriptions for each criterion to see how your work will be assessed. In addition, be sure to note the requirements below for document format and length and for citing supporting evidence.

• Compare the features, capabilities, and benefits of two similar educational technologies.
  • What characteristics or attributes of the technology are non-essential or have little or no effect on teaching and learning?
  • What evidence supports claims about the benefits of this technology?
  • What are the assumptions underlying your comparison? What influence do they have on decision making?
• Explain the benefits and limitations of this type of comparison.
  • Justify your conclusions.
• Determine which teaching and learning situations the technology is best suited for.
  • Justify your conclusions.
• Explain how your selected teaching, learning, or assessment technology can be incorporated into a specific nursing education program.
  • How will incorporation of this technology affect learning and performance?
• Support assertions, arguments, propositions, and conclusions with relevant and credible evidence.
  • Is your supporting evidence clear and explicit?
    • How or why does particular evidence support a claim?
    • Will your reader see the connection?
  • Did you summarize, paraphrase, and quote your sources appropriately?
• Write clearly and concisely in a logically coherent and appropriate form and style.
  • Write with a specific purpose and audience in mind.
  • Adhere to scholarly and disciplinary writing standards and APA formatting requirements.

Document Format

Use the Comparing Technologies Template.

Supporting Evidence

Cite 3–5 credible sources from peer-reviewed journals or professional industry publications to support your analysis.