University of Lynchburg has once again been named an Apple Distinguished School. The three-year designation, 2019-22, recognizes the excellence of the University’s iON Nursing program.
“The Apple Distinguished Schools designation is a wonderful recognition of the University of Lynchburg Nursing program’s use of technology to enhance student learning outcomes,” Dr. Allison Jablonksi, Lynchburg’s provost, said.
“Our iPad initiative has enabled students and faculty to have instant access to patient data, perform well on standardized nursing assessments, and interact in real time in a nursing simulation setting. We are among the very few institutions in the nation to have this distinction, and we couldn’t be more proud.”
The iON Nursing program integrates iPad and other Apple technology into classrooms, simulations, and clinical settings. Launched in 2014, iON Nursing has fostered innovation, problem solving, and critical thinking in Lynchburg’s nursing program. The University of Lynchburg also has published an e-book about its iON Nursing initiative.
Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence that use Apple products to inspire creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. They showcase innovative uses of technology in learning, teaching, and the school environment and have documented results of academic accomplishment.
Through iON Nursing, students majoring in nursing receive iPad devices as sophomores. Apple technology has changed the way they learn in the classroom and connect with their patients. Apple TV and AirPlay enable faculty to incorporate rich, interactive media into their lessons.
Students use electronic textbooks and use apps to visualize internal anatomy or procedures — inserting an IV, for example — whenever they need to. Students also use iPad to practice working with electronic records, a must-have skill for today’s nurses. In the clinical setting, they use iPad to teach patients about medical conditions and treatments.
Since adopting iON Nursing, the program has seen improvements in its graduates’ pass rates on the National Council Licensure Examination. Graduation and retention rates have increased, too, meaning nursing students have become more likely to complete the nursing program. The program also has expanded its use of digital technology, decreased paper use, and adopted more active, engaged learning techniques.
“It is truly an honor to be selected as an Apple Distinguished School,” Mark Reinhardt, dean and professor of the School of Nursing, said. “Having this designation will continue to allow our wonderful faculty to engage students in new and creative ways to enhance their learning experience.
“In today’s world, technology changes at a rapid pace. Being an ‘Apple Distinguished School’ will keep us on the cutting edge of teaching and improve student learning and outcomes.”
