title: Expanding the Reach of Continuing Educational Offerings Through a Web-Based Virtual Network: The Experience of InspireNet.
abstract: Virtual platforms using webinars, e-posters, e-newsletters, wikis and blogs connect people who have common interests in new ways. When those individuals are healthcare providers, a professional network that operates on a virtual platform can support their needs for learning, professional development and information currency. The practice of e-learning for continuing professional development is emerging , particularly in nursing where shift work shift inhibits their ability to attend conferences and classes. This article reports the experience of the InspireNet network that provided e-learning models to: 1) provide opportunities for healthcare providers to organize themselves into learning communities through development of electronic communities of practice; 2) support learning on demand; and 3) dramatically increase the reach of educational offerings.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Victoria, Victoria.
authors.forename: Noreen C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Frisch
authors.affiliation: InspireNet, http://www.inspirenet.ca.
authors.forename: Pat
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Atherton
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Victoria, Victoria.
authors.forename: Elizabeth M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Borycki
authors.affiliation: Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver.
authors.forename: Grace
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mickelson
authors.affiliation: Providence Healthcare, Vancouver.
authors.forename: Agnes
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Black
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Novak Lauscher
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cordeiro
mesh_terms: D057218:Blogging; D001955:British Columbia; D004496:Education, Continuing / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007858:Learning; D061108:Social Media
keywords: Continuing education; Web 2.0 technologies; healthcare provider; nursing; virtual networks