Real and relevant: using web 2.0 social media technology to deepen and generalise learning in the health sciences and bridge the theory-practice gap

Abstract

Background: Teaching students to apply scientific theory to clinical practice is an ongoing challenge in the health sciences. Strategic use of social media technologies may help teach students to bridge the theory-practice gap.

Objective: This paper describes the use of two distinct web 2.0 technologies in teaching and assessing clinical skills in the health sciences.

Major Findings: By presenting various quantitative and qualitative data, gathered over five years, the paper demonstrates the effectiveness of these technologies in helping students in the health sciences bridge the theory-practice gap. The paper uses entry-to-practice and advanced-practice nursing students as representatives of a broad spectrum of health science students.

Conclusions: Further research is recommended exploring the utilisation of these teaching tools in other allied health sciences and academic and clinical settings.

Keywords:

• Learning and teaching
• Social media
• e-Learning
• Clinical skills
• Clinical reasoning
• Theory-practice gap
• Health sciences
• Reflective practice