The concept of adult learning and the use of mobile social media in nursing education: an integrative review

20^th Global Nursing Education Conference

March 21-23, 2018 | New York, USA

Donna Williams Newman

Nova Southeastern University, USA

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

Statement of the Problem: The innovative use of mobile technology makes education appropriate for the digital age student and facilitates a transition from a didactic, teacher-centered approach to a more constructivist student centered one. Mobile technology enables students to work independently, creates opportunities for interaction, provided opportunities for collaboration and it also allows extensive networks between students. The concept that will be discussed is adult learning. Learning is the acquisition of knowledge or skills through experience, study or by being taught. The theories of andragogy, pedagogy and heutagogy were examined and their appropriateness to the concept of adult learning. The use of mobile social media as a tool in adult learning was examined using different disciplines and its applicability to the nursing education. The purpose of this integrative literature review is to examine the concept of adult learning and the use of mobile social media in nursing education. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The process involved reviewing the literature, critiquing and synthesizing the findings and summarizing the information so that new knowledge can be generated. A search for adult learning, social media and education indexed in the CINAHL, MEDLINE, ERIC and Cochrane databases were conducted. A sample of 12 study research papers that met the inclusion criteria was selected. Conclusions & Significance: Adult learners no longer appreciate a teacher-centered approach to learning but a self-driven and extensively utilize mobile social media as a method to communicate and access information relevant to their education. There is a need for further research to investigate the usage in nursing education.

Biography :

Donna Williams Newman has her expertise in Nursing Education and a passion for women’s health. Her research has looked at simulation, mentoring and adult education and most currently social media. She has spent many years educating nursing students and nurses at the ADN, BSN, MSN and DNP levels. She currently teaches maternity at Nova Southeastern University