title: #Learning: The use of back channel technology in multi-campus nursing education.
abstract: This paper reports on the results of a study into the use of microblogging technology (TodaysMeet) in large, multi-site lectures in a nursing program. The aim of this study was to investigate students' use of the technology and their perceptions of its value in stimulating engagement in a complex learning environment. The study demonstrated that students like the anonymity that the technology provided, allowing them to ask questions without fear of appearing less competent than their peers. Many of the respondents commented positively on the opportunity to engage with students and the lecturer at other campuses. While some students appreciated the opportunity to interact and have feedback from peers, others saw this as a negative aspect of the technology. This study suggests that, used appropriately, microblogging can be incorporated into large lectures to promote student participation and engagement and ultimately enhance the learning process.
authors.affiliation: Nursing, Midwifery and Nutrition, Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Research, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, Cairns, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: karen.yates@jcu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yates
authors.affiliation: Nursing, Midwifery and Nutrition, Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Research, James Cook University, Townsville Campus, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Birks
authors.affiliation: Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Research, College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Cindy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Woods
authors.affiliation: Nursing, Midwifery and Nutrition, Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Research, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: Marnie.turner@jcu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Marnie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hitchins
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D057218:Blogging; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate; D018961:Educational Technology / Q000379:methods*; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Back channel communication; Microblogging; Nursing education; Technology in education