Posted: November 17th, 2023
Discuss two advantages and two disadvantages of using mobile technology in nursing practice
Discussion Board Assignment
Mobile learning technologies are becoming more and more popular. As you examine methods to integrate technology, informatics, and the use of the Internet into nursing education and practice, think about how you would apply this to your nursing practice.
Question #1
What is mobile learning technology? List two types of mobile learning technologies and discuss their application in your practice setting.
Question #2
List and discuss two advantages and two disadvantages of using mobile technology in nursing practice.
Question #3
List and discuss two roles nurse informaticist might assume in using mobile technology.
Instructions: Make sure to type your response in APA format. Please make sure to cite your material and list your references according to APA. A minimum of two references published no later than 5 years is required for this assignment and a minimum of 300 words.
Question 1: What is mobile learning technology? List two types of mobile learning technologies and discuss their application in your practice setting.
Mobile learning technology refers to “learning across multiple contexts, through social and content interactions, using personal electronic devices” (Crompton, 2013, p. 4). Two types of mobile learning technologies include smartphones and tablets. Smartphones allow for on-the-go access to educational apps, videos, and references. As a nurse, I could use medication reference apps or clinical skills videos on my smartphone during shifts. Tablets are useful for bedside learning, as they are larger than phones but more portable than laptops. In my practice setting of a medical-surgical unit, I could use a tablet at the bedside to look up patient education materials or access their electronic health record.
Question 2: List and discuss two advantages and two disadvantages of using mobile technology in nursing practice.
Advantages include portability and constant connectivity (Crompton, 2013). The portability of mobile devices allows for learning and reference anywhere clinical practice occurs. Nurses are constantly connected via mobile internet access, allowing quick answers to questions. However, two disadvantages are small screens and potential distractions (Crompton, 2013; Wu et al., 2012). Small screens can make lengthy reading difficult. Additionally, the constant connectivity could enable distractions from clinical work if misused.
Question 3: List and discuss two roles nurse informaticist might assume in using mobile technology.
Nurse informaticists could serve as mobile technology trainers and technical support (Wu et al., 2012). As trainers, they would educate nurses on how to use clinical apps and resources on their mobile devices. They could provide one-on-one training or create online training modules. As technical support, nurse informaticists would troubleshoot any issues nurses encounter and help them optimize their mobile devices for clinical use.
Crompton, H. (2013). A historical overview of mobile learning: Toward learner-centered education. Computers in Education, 62, 25-30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2012.10.003
Wu, Y.-H., Tao, S., Zhang, Y., Zhang, Y., & Zhang, H. (2012). The application of mobile phone short messaging service in clinical medicine. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 18(8), 462–466. https://doi.org/10.1258/jtt.2012.gth107