Developing a postbasic gerontology program for international learners: considerations for the process

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Distance Learning
• Gerontology

Background:

• Chilean university sought expertise in new media distance education for health fields.
• Initiated a distance postbasic gerontology program for technical nurses in Chile.
• Partnered with a Canadian school of nursing for program development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a distance postbasic gerontology program for technical nurses in Chile.
• To leverage new media technology in health-related distance education.
• To foster international collaboration in nursing education.

Main Methods:

• Employed a systematic instructional design process.
• Integrated cultural considerations throughout all development phases.
• Utilized a partnership model between Chilean and Canadian nursing schools.

Main Results:

• Developed 13 self-paced print modules with web-based components.
• Program is primarily asynchronous with scheduled milestones.
• Included a 6-week preceptored clinical experience for outcome mastery.

Conclusions:

• International nursing education program development is challenging but enriching.
• A systematic, culturally sensitive approach overcomes development hurdles.
• Flexible, culturally respectful relationships are key to international initiatives.