Abstract
Adopting active teaching and learning strategies in tertiary education aim to engage students in the learning process (Prince, 2004). Experiential learning is a kind of active teaching and learning strategies which facilitate knowledge acquisition (Kolb, 1984). Nursing is an action-intensive profession. Nursing students have to apply theoretical knowledge to practice in order to bridge the theory-practice gap (Thomas & Revell, 2016). Experiential learning provides opportunity to students to grasp the new knowledge and discoveries based on their specific experience (Barab, Barnett, & Squire, 2002). With the incorporation of innovation and design, students will take initiatives to apply learnt knowledge to practice in real setting with creative approach. The focus of this TDLEG project is to develop an innovative mobile app by nursing students to implement community health education. Students’ outcomes on learning and self-efficacy will be evaluated. Their learning experience in this health education activity will also be explored by semi-structured interviews. Based on the knowledge gained from the analysis, we will provide suggestions and recommendations on the introduction of innovation and design to the University and relevant stakeholders. The project is well-aligned with CUHK planning exercise 2019-2022 to facilitate the incorporation of innovation and design in course and programme curriculum development.
Brief write-up
Project objectives
The objectives are :1) to develop a mobile app for health education with the identification of common chronic illnesses in the local context; 2) to conduct health education to older adults with the use of the developed mobile app; and 3) to determine how the experiential learning activities improve deep learning and self-efficacy in learning and performance.
Activities, process and outcomes
Twenty-three students were recruited from the Bachelor of Nursing Programme. Students developed a mobile app “iNursing Health” which includes common chronic illnesses and practical tips of healthy lifestyle for health education. Students formed into groups and delivered health education using the mobile app on a tablet PC during home visits of older adults. Students’ learning approach and self-efficacy were examined. Qualitative interviews about learning experience were conducted. The evaluation showed that self-efficacy of students was significantly improved after the activities. The qualitative findings revealed that the students appreciated the opportunities to participate in experiential learning and tailor health teaching information to meet clients’ needs.
Deliverables and evaluation
A mobile app for health education, “iNursing Health” was developed. A mixed-methods design was adopted in the evaluation phase. Outcome measures included learning approaches and self-efficacy of nursing students. Students’ learning experiences in the health education activity were explored by semi-structured focus group interviews.
Dissemination, diffusion, impact and sharing of good practices
The results of this project were disseminated in an international conference. The project has potential to collaborate with various health care disciplines and to promote interdisciplinary learning. Students will continue to enrich the health information in the mobile app, which will be used to conduct health education in the community to promote healthy lifestyle and self-management of chronic illness.
