LAUSR

N urse educators can use Internet technologies and applications (apps) to enhance and achieve learning outcomes. Through the use of these free or low-cost technologies, simulation scenarios become comparative to actual clinical practice while enhancing student engagement. To increase fidelity and student engagement, QR Codes can be created easily using a simple Web site (https://www.qrstuff.com). Once QR Codes are generated, they can be placed on the patient identification bracelet, medication labels, and laboratory equipment. Students can then scan the QR Code using a free app on their iPad or their smartphone. The scannedQRCode shares with the student additional digital information such as aWeb site, podcast, Microsoft document, or YouTube video. Google Image provides a variety of medication labels, x-ray result images, and photographs that can be inserted into the QR Code or to add patient identification pictures to the electronic medical record. Google Drive allows faculty to share documents in real time, mimicking reports received to the electronicmedical record. Google Translate is a great tool that provides the opportunity to simulate caring for a non–English-speaking patient. Finally, using iTunesU and TeacherTube, podcasts and videos can be created and placed within a virtual chart created in Excel. Podcasts of end-of-shift reports and physician consultations and videos of family members giving a history of present illness eliminate the need for additional actors in the simulation. Incorporating these technologies requires planning and time for setup. However, using these technologies provides students with an opportunity to practice certain skills in the simulation laboratory without purchasing expensive laboratory equipment.