Abstract
A mixed methods research study was undertaken to examine undergraduate nursing students ‘perspectives one course redesigned to include purposeful integration of technology to support an inquiry-based approach to critical thinking instruction. The face-to-face and online technology-enhanced environments of learning were developed as settings to generate inquiry to achieve the desired student outcome of critical thinking. Critical thinking is necessary for graduates from higher education programs. With technology’s growth in use, diversity, and prevalence, technology has become a significant component in work and educational contexts. A course was planned to include inquiry to facilitate the development of critical thinking plat formed within two technology-enhanced environments. The findings of the study revealed student perspective of the use of technology with the instructional approach of inquiry, and their demonstration of the desired learning outcome of critical thinking. Thus, identifying factors important to the designing of a course to appropriately use technology to support student learning.
Highlights
To have familiarity with technology and critical thinking are valuable assets for undergraduate students in higher education and upon graduation seeking employment Rochelle et al [1] With the large extent of information accessible through technology use, being capable of intellectually and strategically acquiring and using information has become essential for students Benjamin et al [2] critical thinking is integral in education to develop discerning professionals capable of delivering quality decisions amidst complex work situations
The student perspective was generally favourable towards the inclusion of technology to support learning and critical thinking
To encourage appropriate use of technology to enhance student learning, the technology chosen needs to be suitable for the instructional approach undertaken and the learning outcomes desired
Summary
To have familiarity with technology and critical thinking are valuable assets for undergraduate students in higher education and upon graduation seeking employment Rochelle et al [1] With the large extent of information accessible through technology use, being capable of intellectually and strategically acquiring and using information has become essential for students Benjamin et al [2] critical thinking is integral in education to develop discerning professionals capable of delivering quality decisions amidst complex work situations. Educational technology being the integration of appropriate technology to facilitate learning and development aligns with a constructivist approach to student learning and development, one that promotes participation in active learning, and critical thinking and inquiry De la Harpe & Peterson [6], TedescoSchneck [7]. This study aims to determine how to promote appropriate utilization of technology in teaching and learning to align with identified learner outcomes which for this course were to support student critical thinking development. Attaining understanding of student perspective of beneficial instructional strategies with technology use can facilitate how best to design a course to support their learning. This can help educators more informatively include technology into courses they are teaching
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