TECHNOLOGY AS A TRANSFORMATIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING TOOL IN MIDWIFERY EDUCATION : PERSPECTIVES OF NURSE EDUCATORS

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.