title: Birds of a feather: introducing a virtual learning community for geriatric nurse educators.
abstract: The Duke Geriatric Nursing Education Virtual Learning Community (Gero-VLC) is a newly developed online inquiry network that enables geriatric nurse educators to borrow, share, and collaborate to promote in-depth learning and optimal communication among instructors. Recently launched, the Gero-VLC website was developed to meet the needs of nurse educators who face increasing demands to develop quality, learner-centered online instruction focused on evidence-based geriatric care. Through the Gero-VLC, nurse educators can connect with nurse clinicians expert in geriatric care; access state-of-the-science information and learning opportunities; participate in collaborative projects; and publish their work on the North Carolina Learning Object Repository. The authors present the Gero-VLC as a best practice for online geriatric nursing education, describe its theoretical underpinnings, and outline a strategy for evaluation.
authors.affiliation: Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
authors.forename: Emily O
authors.initials: EO
authors.lastname: Egerton
authors.forename: Eleanor S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: McConnell
authors.forename: Kirsten
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Corazzini
authors.forename: Rebecca R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Kitzmiller
authors.forename: Jonathon O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Crook
mesh_terms: D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D003479:Curriculum; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet