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Embracing Technology in Teaching and Learning Spaces
The College of Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan offers students the opportunity to learn from distinguished faculty like Dr. Sandra Bassendowski, EdD, RN.
Dr. Bassendowski is involved in several local and international research projects that focus on the integration of technology in the classroom and within nursing practice. 
Dr. Sandra Bassendowski has many roles - educator, registered nurse, and researcher. Although these roles blend together harmoniously in her position at the College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan (Regina site), Dr. Bassendowski is very clear about her true career passion - teaching.
Passionate about Teaching
"I want students to succeed so I am always looking at ways to enhance their leaning experience," says Dr. Bassendowski. Over the past three years, Dr. Bassendowski has focused on using technology and social networking to support student learning.
"I believe that the relationship between student and educator is reciprocal. I learn from the students just as they learn from me," expresses Dr. Bassendowski. This has been especially prevalent in her experience with integrating technology into the classroom as a teaching and learning tool. "The students are comfortable and skilled at using technology. I have learned a great deal from them about the uses and benefits."
Dr. Bassendowski provides her students with technological freedom in the classroom and the student response has been overwhelmingly positive. Students can create and deliver their assignments in a medium of their choice - video, web page, blog, wiki page, podcast, or on paper. "The effort, creativity, and innovation from students in their class project is incredible. Also, the work is far more interesting to mark," she says enthusiastically.
Dr. Bassendowski received the Provost's College Award for Outstanding Teaching in June 2010. It's an award that she was very proud to receive but the opportunity to see students flourish in their academic career, she reveals, is the real honour.
Embracing Technology
Dr. Bassendowski has embraced technology in more ways than one.
She has had a paperless classroom since 2007. No textbooks. Instead she uses credible online sites such as the Canadian Nurses Association's portal (NurseONE) for students to access and reference research evidence.
In the 4th year nursing course she teaches this term, Dr. Bassendowski is using a social networking tool called Ning©. The purpose, she explains, is to create a community of learners for interactive and dynamic distributive learning where students can easily collaborate and connect beyond the walls.
"I approach technology in its many forms as an instrument to teach students just like I once used chalk on a blackboard." The practice of integrating technology into teaching and learning spaces has proven to be beneficial to both educator and students. "It allows me the opportunity to teach nursing in a sphere where students are engaged, interested, and excited to learn."