Abstract: One of the most effective mnemonic techniques is the well-known method of loci. Learning and retention, especially of sequentially ordered information, is facilitated by this technique which involves mentally combining salient loci on a well-known path with the material to be learned. There are several variants of this technique that differ in the kind of path that is suggested to the user and it is implicitly assumed that these variants are comparable in effectiveness. The experiments reported in this study were designed to test this assumption. The data of two experiments show that participants who are instructed to generate and apply loci on a route to their work recall significantly more items in a memory test than participants who are instructed to generate and apply loci on a route in their house. These results have practical implications for the instruction and application of the method of loci.
Abstract: PURPOSE: This review examines the topic of information literacy (IL) and its importance as a component of competency-based education in the health professions, and shares the process and outcome of a collaborative effort between The University of Manitoba Department of Anesthesia and Health Sciences Libraries to create, to introduce and integrate IL training into a new anesthesia curriculum. PRINCIPLE FINDINGS: Nine IL modules were developed according to standards set by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) and aligned with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons CanMEDS competencies. Taken collectively, they explore modern tools used to approach the medical literature in an organized, efficient manner, and to locate, evaluate and use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose. Each module forms the basis of one IL session that combines self-study and group projects with librarian-led, computer-based training, designed to build competency in information need awareness, retrieval skills and resource appraisal. Facility with the concepts taught was evaluated though examples relevant to the anesthesia practice environment. The entire collection is available at http://wiki.lib.umanitoba.ca/tiki-index.php?page=Anesthesia+Clinical+Assistants+Programme. While the original impetus for this project was to prepare Anesthesia Clinical Assistants for self-directed, life-long, active learning, what emerged was a curriculum in IL germane to medical specialties and flexible enough to be used by healthcare professions generally. CONCLUSION: An IL program, directly relevant to current expectations of competent practice, education and lifelong learning, has been created and is discussed within the larger context of curriculum-integrated IL for the health professions.
Abstract: Improving information technology (IT) outcomes is a top nursing education priority. Improving care access, quality, and cost effectiveness, IT skills are vital for professional development and advancement. Nursing programs have embraced distance learning and added informatics content, courses, and specific technologies; however, undergraduates' and educators' skills are still considered inadequate. Meanwhile, the Nursing Informatics specialty has moved beyond IT competency articulation and measurement. It is promoting information literacy to support evidence-based practice and the cultivation of clinical wisdom. The Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform (TIGER) Initiative, a coalition aiming to advance IT outcomes in nursing education, has cited benchmarking and sharing best practices as key to achieving its goals. Thus, this article reports on the process, results, and implications of a project using curriculum strategies to enhance IT outcomes. A 3-year action plan directed faculty, student, and agency evaluation, curriculum mapping, model learning module, and documentation development.
