Sound learning--shared multi-site learning through audiobridge

Amalgamation of nurse education centres in the UK has resulted in the formation of large, multi-site institutions with a number of campuses situated some distance away from the main centre. Pre-Registration Courses run by the college often have most theoretical elements of the course based in the main centre, with students travelling from satellite centres to attend. Post-Registration Education and Practice Project legislation and the need for all qualified staff to have access to facilitators of education may prove more difficult for those practising in remote areas. An audiobridge has been established, linking education sites in Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight and Guernsey. The Guernsey centre was first 'on-line' and has piloted the use of the bridge. Insights have been gained into the values and limitations of the system which may prove useful to others. Strategies for accessing and using the bridge, the preparation of learning experiences to be undertaken over the bridge and the actual practicalities of using the equipment to deliver and participate in lessons where sound is the main sense to be utilised, have all been addressed to deliver lectures, tutorials, seminars and meetings. Student-centred learning and direct student access for peer support networks are anticipated.