Informatics Technology

With increased demands on employees including work and family responsibilities, increased accountability, longer working hours, and staff shortages, a need exists to develop learning environments that are flexible and convenient (Madiope, 2004). Professionals struggle with the constant demands and changes in procedures and practices. Together with emerging technology, they need to continually update and learn new skills and basic knowledge.

Virtual education has emerged due to increased technological advances and the increased demands and responsibilities of learners. Virtual education programs primarily take place when facilitator and learner is separated by physical distance and therefore use different types of technology to deliver the subject content. This makes learning interesting for both the facilitator and learner as the learners are given more responsibility as self-leaders to take initiative for the pace of their learning.

Education learning environments are offered using multimedia and state of the art high fidelity simulation to accommodate learning while at work. The Providence Learning Network provides an educational environment that will meet the education needs regardless of time and distance restraints.

The use of multimedia allows for the development of learning environments for employees. Principles of these multimedia learning environments are based on collaborative learning, authentic and simulated tasks, reflection and communication. As learners share their experiences with peers they can reflect and communicate with each other to learn and apply new knowledge and skills.

Virtual education using multimedia resources is a solution that will allow employees access to continuing education sessions without adding stress to their current personal and work demands. It will allow them to participate in environments within their work setting. These types of learning environments can be successfully suited to meet the needs of adult learners. Flexible solutions involving multimedia resources should be available to alert health care staff that continuing education will be relevant to their experiences and more importantly it will benefit their personal and professional growth.