Abstract:
Introduction and background
Midwifery education is faced with challenges caused by changes in health care. Involving students in their learning is essential for the preparation of the 21st-century student midwife, concerning the use of technology. Using only traditional methods such as lectures, simulations, and demonstrations may affect the learning of 21st-century students. Hence, it is very important to pay attention to the use of technology in midwifery education as a transformative teaching and learning tool.
Aim
The study aimed to explore the perspectives of Midwifery Educators on the use of technology as a transformative teaching tool to enhance learning in midwifery education.
Methods
This study used a qualitative, exploratory approach to explore the views of Midwifery Educators on the use of technology as a transformative teaching tool in midwifery education. This qualitative study was exploratory in nature. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide at selected universities in Gauteng, South Africa that offer an undergraduate nursing degree. A total of 13 Midwifery Educators participated in the study. The open coding data analysis method was utilised to assist the researcher to compile and analyse data.
Results
Six themes emanated from the findings of the study, namely: Technological methods used by nursing educators as transformative teaching tools, Learning methods deemed effective by midwifery nurse educators, Benefits of using technology as a transformative teaching tool in midwifery education, Factors advancing the use of technology as a transformative teaching tool in midwifery education, Factors hindering the use of technology as a transformative teaching tool in midwifery education and Recommendations for using technology as a transformative teaching tool.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Technology can be used as a transformative teaching tool in midwifery education, with proper training of Midwifery Educators and student midwives. Availability of resources such as data, laptops, and smartphones play a big role in delivering midwifery education using technology.
