International collaboration: developing an international nursing module through the use of Wiki technology

Abstract

The internationalisation of education gathered momentum with the Bologna process initiated in 1998, which focused upon lifelong learning, involvement of students into HEI’s (Higher Education Institutions), and easing mobility of students for job placements by 2010 (Davies, 2008). This goal for globalization continues to be unmet due to obstacles related to migration and language. Other barriers exist with cultural, social, and ethical factors. Educators are seeking creative virtual learning environments (VLE) to augment the learning experience for all students to help meet these goals by 2020. With shrinking of the world economies and technological revolutions of the past ten years, educators desire innovative methodologies enhancing students’ international experiences. Traditionally, nursing students were encouraged to engage in overseas clinical placements to gain cultural and diverse experiences. Due to increased costs of overseas travel, these types of culturally enriching experiences are waning. With increased global migration, students must be prepared to become active world citizens in the care for their patients. Regardless of background of the student, educators want technologies to enable culturally authentic experiences that simulate the previous era. The authors of this paper sought to utilize Wiki technology to broaden the global learning experiences for students from three higher education institutions (HEIs)