Using Video to facilitate CPD in the workplace

eCoNNECT is a transnational, cross-sectoral project, including 2 vocational and 3 higher nurse education participants, that aims at developing an on-line / blended learning module to foster best practice workplace learning in... [ view full abstract ]

eCoNNECT is a transnational, cross-sectoral project, including 2 vocational and 3 higher nurse education participants, that aims at developing an on-line / blended learning module to foster best practice workplace learning in nursing. Its objectives include: (i) to strengthen workplace learning communication processes between nurse teachers and learners within and across three European countries, (ii) to employ state of the art technology to enhance teaching and assessment during the module, and (iii) to foster cross-sectoral and cross-country collaboration through the development of inter-professional and cross-cultural awareness. Project partners include Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands.

The project is set within the context of European nurse education, where programmes can be provided at various levels from apprenticeship training to degree level education. Communication and teacher- learner collaboration have been identified as key factors for the development of effective workplace learning. The project aligns with the EU (2009) “Strategic framework for European cooperation and training (ET 2020)”, in particular as the module is based on shared learning outcomes for teachers and learners and as it is facilitating cross-country collaboration within participating countries.

The project is centred around the implementation and testing of innovative on-line technologies such as the use of video scenarios. Discussions related to the videos will be recorded and shared instantly on- line across participating countries. Based on local and transnational discussions and learning materials, module participants will develop best practice examples for communication during workplace learning. The recorded discussions and best practice examples will form the basis for testing, as they will stimulate rich and engaging feedback sessions between participants and project partners.

The project utilises shared learning approaches between school-based and practice-based teachers from vocational and higher nurse education institutions and learners from pre-and post-registration nursing programmes.

This paper will outline the open source software that we are using to create video based scenarios and a reflection on our experience to date.