eCoNNECT

eCoNNECT is a successful project application Erasmus+ Strategic Partnerships which started on 01 October 2017 and ended on 30 September 2019.

The aim of the project was to develop an online-blended-learning module to enhance communication and collaboration between teachers and learners during clinical learning processes in nursing education.

There is a curriculum consisting of paper-based materials, online learning materials, video-scenarios and a handbook for the implementation of the module into new settings.

Hanse Institut Oldenburg, Germany, is the coordinator of the project.

Project title: enhanced Communication iN Nursing through Exchange of Clinical Teaching experiences

Acronym: eCoNNECT

Coordinating Organisation: Hanse Institut Oldenburg - Bildung und Gesundheit GmbH, Germany

Partners: DUBLIN CITY UNIVERSITY, IE; HANZEHOGESCHOOL GRONINGEN STICHTING, NL; Schul - und

Studienzentrum am Klinikum Neumarkt, DE; ACADEMISCH ZIEKENHUIS GRONINGEN, NL

Project number: 2017-1-DE02-KA202-004191

Length of project: 24 Months

Abstract:

eCoNNECT is a transnational, cross-sectoral project, including 2 vocational and 3 higher nurse education participants, that aims at developing an on-line / blended learning module to foster best practice workplace learning in nursing. Its objectives include: (i) to strengthen workplace learning communication processes between nurse teachers and learners within and across three European countries, (ii) to employ state of the art technology to enhance teaching and assessment during the module, and (iii) to foster cross-sectoral and cross-country collaboration through the development of inter-professional and cross-cultural awareness. Project partners include Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands.

The project is set within the context of European nurse education, where programmes can be provided at various levels from apprenticeship training to degree level education. Communication and teacher- learner collaboration have been identified as key factors for the development of effective workplace learning. The project aligns with the EU (2009) “Strategic framework for European cooperation and training (ET 2020)”, in particular as the module is based on shared learning outcomes for teachers and learners and as it is facilitating cross-country collaboration within participating countries.

The project is centred around the implementation and testing of innovative on-line technologies such as the use of video scenarios. Discussions related to the videos will be recorded and shared instantly on- line across participating countries. Based on local and transnational discussions and learning materials, module participants will develop best practice examples for communication during workplace learning. The recorded discussions and best practice examples will form the basis for testing, as they will stimulate rich and engaging feedback sessions between participants and project partners.

The project utilises shared learning approaches between school-based and practice-based teachers from vocational and higher nurse education institutions and learners from pre-and post-registration nursing programmes.

Within the project, there are four outputs that are being produced. The first is the curriculum, which forms the basis of the module. The second output relates to the development and testing of learning materials, which centre around communication practices during preparation, beginning, middle and the end of practice placements. The development and testing of video-based scenarios are at the focus of the third output. A handbook for the development and implementation of the module in other countries and settings is being produced in the final (forth) output. The handbook will assist other countries and settings, and potentially other health care professionals, to benefit from this project.

The impact of the project relates to participants in that they will develop enhanced communication practices, role- and cultural awareness. The module will also develop participants' on-line technology competences. Multilingualism will be fostered through the active engagement of participants from countries with different languages (German, English and Dutch).

Potential long-term benefits include the integration of the module into existing preceptorship training programmes at hospital (VET) and higher education levels. Through the inclusive approach, the project fosters long-term collaboration and assists in bridging the gap between VET and higher education. The module also assists in deepening nurse teachers' understanding of learner perspectives, which will enable teachers to develop student-centred approaches for workplace communication practices.

This project offers an exciting opportunity to develop meaningful, engaging on-line / blended learning experiences between various nurse teachers and learners from within European countries.

Download the pdf of this abstract here.