Enhancing learning outcomes with an interactive knowledge-based learning environment providing narrative feedback

This paper describes a narrative-based interactive learning environment which aims to elucidate reasoning using interactive scenarios that may be used in training novices in decision-making. Its design is based on an approach to generating narrative from knowledge that has been modelled in specific decision/reasoning domains. The approach uses a narrative model that is guided partially by inference and contextual information contained in the particular knowledge representation used, the generic/actual argument model of structured reasoning. The approach is described with examples in the area of critical care nursing training. A study of the effectiveness of this approach on learning outcomes was conducted with final year nursing students and provides evidence of improved learning outcomes.C

Electronic Medical Record in the Simulation Hospital: Does It Improve Accuracy in Charting Vital Signs, Intake, and Output?

The introduction of electronic health records has created a shift in the way nursing care is delivered (McBride, Delaney, & Tietze, 2012; Furukawa, Raghu, & Shao, 2010). A factor which heavily influences a nurse’s ability to navigate and utilize EMR is adequate education in the use of computerized documentation (McBride, et al., 2012). There is an increased risk for error at the bedside without the correct knowledge and skills regarding EMR documentation (Kelly, Brandon, & Docherty, 2011). This skill should be introduced during the pre-licensure education of the nurse. Two groups of associate degree nursing students attending a small community college in Northern California were examined to determine if introduction of EMR in the simulation hospital increased accuracy in documenting vital signs, intake, and output. The first group of students charted using paper- pencil during simulation; the second group used an academic EMR. Each group was evaluated during their preceptor rotation at two local inpatient facilities. Registered nurse preceptors provided information by responding to a 10 question survey regarding the use of student EMR documentation during the 120 hour preceptor rotation. The implementation of the EMR into the simulation hospital, although a complex undertaking, provided students a safe environment in which to practice using technology and receive feedback from faculty regarding accurate documentation

Narrative in Technical Communication

The focus of this research is on the involvement of narrative learning within technical communication and the benefits that such an involvement can bring to the field. I analyze literature from within technical communication to determine how narrative is perceived, as well as the traditions in technical communication that made the field resistant to the use of narrative in the past. These findings are considered with respect to the history and definition of narrative, as well as to how narrative can improve learning outcomes when compared to expository learning approaches commonly used in technical documentation. While narrative is not a new concept to technical communication, this thesis offers new insights through a multidisciplinary approach that considers the work of philosophers and narratologists that are relatively unknown to the field. Philosophers Daniel Dennett and Jerome Bruner, as well as narratologists Gerard Genette, David Rudrum, and David Darby, show that narrative forms the basis for the construction of reality and that all human learning is based on the stories that we construct to give meaning to the world. Research studies conducted on the efficacy of narrative based learning are discussed in detail and an analysis of the areas where narrative use would most benefit technical communication is provided. Recommendations are made for the future use of narrative in technical documentation and for further research on the implementation and cost of narrative solutions