The Sandbox: Development and Implementation of a Technology-Enhanced Classroom.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Higher Education Pedagogy
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Nursing education reform necessitates innovative teaching methods.
• Traditional classrooms often limit collaborative and active learning.
• The need for adaptable learning environments is crucial for modern pedagogy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the implementation of an active learning classroom (ALC) in a nursing department.
• To assess the impact of ALCs on the adoption of active learning strategies.
• To evaluate the effect of ALCs on student learning outcomes in nursing.

Main Methods:

• Case study of a college's development and implementation of an ALC.
• Qualitative and quantitative analysis of ALC's influence on teaching practices.
• Assessment of student learning outcomes pre- and post-ALC implementation.

Main Results:

• The ALC facilitated increased use of active learning strategies by nursing faculty.
• Students reported higher engagement and improved collaborative experiences in the ALC.
• Preliminary data suggests a positive impact on specific student learning outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Active learning classrooms are a viable and effective model for transforming nursing education.
• Investing in improved learning spaces supports pedagogical innovation and enhances student success.
• Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the long-term impact of ALCs on nursing students.