Demystifying the Digital World: supporting midwifery students to develop digital competence and confidence

Alison Power, Associate Professor (Learning and Teaching), Senior Lecturer in Midwifery, FHES

Demystifying the Digital World: supporting midwifery students to develop digital competence and confidence

Presentation at: Teaching and supporting a digital future: UoN Showcase 4th February 2022

To meet Professional Standards for pre-registration midwifery education, ‘technology-enhanced [and simulated] learning opportunities’ (NMC, 2019a:10) are embedded in the curriculum in a first-year module which aims to develop students’ digital and technological literacy.

At the start of the module students undertake self-assessments of digital competency using three online platforms (UoN’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), the NHS IT Skills Pathway ‘Digital Learning Solutions’ (DLS) and the JISC ‘Building Digital Capability’ website) to identify their digital learning needs. All three platforms then offer a suite of e-learning packages for students to complete, targeting their areas for development. The module is largely delivered online and uses a range of innovative and dynamic learning and teaching approaches for students to engage with both synchronously and asynchronously.

The first cohort to complete the module were asked about their experiences via an online survey and all respondents agreed that the module had been successful in its aim of developing their digital confidence and competence.

The recording of the event is available to view