1. CHAT ROOM USE IN NURSING EDUCATION: THE ADVANTAGES AND CHALLENGES Diane Orr Chlebowy, PhD (c), MS, MA, RN University of Kentucky College of Nursing

2. SESSION OBJECTIVES Describe the process of using chat rooms in undergraduate and graduate nursing courses. Discuss three (3) advantages of using chat rooms in nursing education. Explore the challenges of using chat rooms in undergraduate and graduate nursing courses.

3. PROCESS Identification of need for chat room usage in undergraduate and graduate courses Inclusion of homepage with chat room link Education of students regarding chat room use Determination of faculty availability for chat room usage

4. USER SCREENS

6. http://webteach.mccs.uky.edu/NUR871/

13. ADVANTAGES Ease and efficiency of communication Use of up-to-date instructional technology Provision of additional opportunities for students to dialogue with faculty regarding course-related content Provision of additional opportunities for students to study and review with student colleagues

14. ADVANTAGES (CONT.) Enhance students’ understanding of difficult course-related content Enhance faculty/student relationships Receive positive feedback from students (as expressed with completion of faculty and course evaluations)

15. CHALLENGES Technological difficulties Establishment of times conducive to both students and faculty Lack of student comfort to use technology Lack of motivation of students to use technology

16. CONCLUSION

17. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The presenter would like to thank Brenda Ghaelian at the University of Kentucky for her dedication in the development of this technological instruction