Institutional Partnerships for the Design and Launch of Four Blended Online Graduate Nursing Programs
Date
2019-11-15
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Abstract
A collaborative partnership between healthcare leaders, students, alumni and university scholars resulted in the design and launch of four blended online graduate nursing programs. The programs, consisting of one-year certificates leading to a Master of Nursing degree, are the first in Canada to be offered in a technology intensive format. They meet the accessibility needs of healthcare professionals whose work and other responsibilities prevent them from pursuing graduate education. The certificates are available in four specialization areas: contemporary topics in aging; addiction and mental health; innovations in teaching and learning; and leadership for health system transformation. Each graduate certificate can be earned alone or combined for credit towards the MN degree. The impact of the program on educators and students is significant. Student access in the graduate programs of the Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary will increase by 300%. Teaching in the new technology intensive program requires educators to critically examine their teaching and learning practice; adopt blended T&L technologies; and closely consider SoTL principles to support student learning. Student admissions are currently underway for the first cohort to join the program in Fall 2019. We will share lessons learned from program design including partnerships with AHS, the UCalgary’s Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning, the Faculty of Social Work, Werklund School of Education, Haskayne School of Business and the department of Continuing Education.
Description
Keywords
Stackable credentials, blended-online learning, graduate education, nursing education, faculty development.
Citation
Stawnychko, L., Porter, A., Marei, N. N., & Hafez, A. (2019). Institutional Partnerships for the Design and Launch of Four Blended Online Graduate Nursing Programs. "Expanding the Conversation: Leading the Contemporary Learning Landscape" COHERE conference paper, Nov 14-15, 2019.