title: Implementing a Virtual Exchange Project for student nurses in Queensland and Nottingham.
abstract: This paper discusses the design and initial progress made with a virtual learning environment to help student nurses develop an understanding of cultural awareness and globalization. Using a Web-based application the Virtual Exchange Project was designed to facilitate study-elsewhere experiences located in the student's own setting. Promotion of the United Nations' Millennium Development goals provided an opportunity for student nurses to explore changes in global health and disease patterns, nursing education and systems of nurse regulation in the United Kingdom and Australia. A pedagogical framework created for this activity acknowledges the social and academic identities that learners often use, when working together in a virtual environment. The architecture of the Virtual Exchange supports local conversations about nurse education and health and social issues across hemispheres.
authors.affiliation: The University of Nottingham, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Physiotherapy, Dukeries Centre, The Kings Mill Centre, Mansfield Road Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottingham Notts NG15 8GS, United Kingdom. fern.todhunter@nottingham.ac.uk
authors.forename: Fern
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Todhunter
authors.forename: Bob
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hallawell
authors.forename: Debbie
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pittaway
mesh_terms: D054521:Cultural Competency / Q000193:education*; D004506:Education, Nursing; D004739:England; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D007393:International Educational Exchange; D038622:Internationality; D020407:Internet; D011793:Queensland; D060756:Social Networking; D014584:User-Computer Interface