careandcurriculum

[careandcurriculum]

Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with a fellow PIDP student about trends in our field and adult education. Despite our different backgrounds—she’s in early childhood education, and I’m in healthcare—we found common ground in how technology is shaping learning.

Bella, a Montessori teacher, shared her insights on applied technology. While her licensing restricts screen time for students, she uses apps to track progress, update parents, and improve communication. This ensures parents stay involved without compromising Montessori principles.

In adult education, technology is at the forefront. Some key advancements include:

Online Learning Platforms – Flexible, self-paced courses.

AI-Powered Learning – Personalized instruction.

Virtual & Augmented Reality – Hands-on simulations.

Microlearning – Short, targeted lessons.

Despite our different fields, it’s clear that technology continues to evolve education at all levels, improving communication, accessibility, and hands-on learning experiences.

[careandcurriculum]

Getting Up to Speed with ICT: My Path to Digital Literacy

How can I prepare for this evolving trend? I’ll admit, I may need to invest in some adult education myself. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) don’t come naturally to me, and I might be a bit late to the game. But I’m ready to put in the effort to learn how to use these platforms effectively and confidently.

My first step will be to research and find the right course to get started. Fortunately, there are plenty of excellent (and free!) options available. For example, I came across Coursera’s “ICT in Education” by the University of London, “Digital Transformation in Teaching and Learning” by the University of Michigan, “ICT for Education: Changing the Way You Teach” by the University of Edinburgh, and “Blended Learning” by the University of California, Irvine.

What’s even more incredible is how quickly these resources became available—AI pulled them up in less than 10 seconds. You’ve got to love technology!

[careandcurriculum]

Leveraging Technology as an HCA Instructor

As a Health Care Assistant (HCA) instructor, I can harness technology to enhance my teaching and engage students. Tools like Planboard, Google Docs, and Microsoft OneNote help me organize lesson objectives and collaborate with colleagues effectively.

To enrich learning, I will incorporate multimedia resources—videos, infographics, and podcasts—covering essential HCA topics such as communication and patient care. YouTube is a fantastic source for supplementing lessons with engaging visuals.

For group projects, I can utilize platforms like Teams and Google Classroom, fostering teamwork and collaboration. To keep students engaged, I will create fun quizzes and games on Kahoot.

In my experience, technology not only enriches individual learning but also fosters a more interactive classroom environment. Ultimately, my goal is to create a positive learning space that prepares students for their future in healthcare.

Check out this 6-minute clip on "Integration of Technology in the Classroom."

[careandcurriculum]

Adult Education: Navigating the Ever-Evolving Landscape

In today’s fast-paced world, continuous learning is essential as skills quickly become outdated, especially in fields like finance, technology, and healthcare.

As we move through 2025, technology is reshaping adult education. An insightful article I found highlights the impact of emerging information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as mobile computing, wireless networks, e-learning platforms, and virtual reality. These advancements enhance accessibility, flexibility, and personalization, creating more engaging and collaborative learning experiences.

For adult learners juggling work, family, and education, the ability to learn on their own terms is invaluable. Technology is not just a tool; it’s a catalyst for lifelong learning and growth.

For more information check out this article...

[careandcurriculum]

Doing some research for an essay and quite enjoying the humanism theory of adult learning!

Ever feel like traditional education is just memorizing facts you’ll never use? Enter humanistic learning theory—it’s all about putting you, the learner, in control. No one-size-fits-all nonsense here; it prioritizes your growth, emotions, and individuality. Inspired by Maslow and Rogers, this approach focuses on intrinsic motivation and self-actualization (a fancy way of saying “becoming your best self”). Hello to meaningful, learner-driven experiences that inspire growth. Education, but make it more meaningful!

Check out this article I came across which explains it!

[careandcurriculum]

Something to Think About...

Preparing for the Future of Holistic Healthcare Education

As a healthcare instructor, preparing for this trend means expanding my knowledge and skills in holistic care—focusing on the treatment of the whole person. This involves exploring therapeutic activities while staying informed about emerging healthcare technologies and how they can be integrated into daily care.

In my future role, I plan to develop teaching strategies that emphasize empathy, creativity, and adaptability to prepare caregivers for this evolving model of care. Beyond traditional medical tasks, my focus will include:

Fostering meaningful social interactions to enhance residents' well-being.

Integrating technology to improve quality of life.

Promoting wellness through activities like gardening and exercise.

Educating and supporting families, ensuring they are engaged in the care process.

My goal is to empower future caregivers to see their roles as more than just providing care—it’s about creating a dignified, fulfilling experience for every resident.

Experience a Heartfelt Testimonial: A Wife and Husband Share Their Journey of Patient & Family Centered Care Moments That Made All the Difference".

Specifically, for those in long-term care, pet therapy can reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation, encourage communication and socialization skills, and provide comfort during stressful times.

[careandcurriculum]

Long-Term Care Trends You Need to Know About.

The Future of Long-Term Care: Person-Centered Care

The future of long-term care is shifting toward person-centered care, transforming traditional nursing homes into environments that feel more like home. This approach moves beyond the clinical, impersonal settings of the past, creating warm, engaging, and individualized experiences for residents.

A key trend within this model is holistic care, incorporating elements like music therapy, animal visits, and intergenerational programs where children from local daycares or preschools interact with residents. These activities address fundamental human needs—needs that don’t disappear with age or health challenges.

In addition, modern long-term care facilities are embracing on-site spas, fine dining, therapeutic gardens, and advanced technology to support residents’ physical, social, and emotional well-being. By prioritizing comfort, connection, and quality of life, person-centered care is redefining how we support individuals in long-term care settings.

For more information on person-centered care, check out this article."8 Long-Term Care Trends You Need to Know About," MediLodge,

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"Person-Centered Care"

The trend I chose to talk about is “person-centered care,” also described as “the culture change movement in long-term care.” So, what does this mean?

If you picture a nursing facility, what comes to mind? It’s not surprising if your thoughts turn to words like “sterile,” “impersonal,” “institutionalized,” or even “boring.” Perhaps you envision limited recreation options, such as bingo or card games. Likely the nursing focus is primarily “wound care, or medication and symptom management” However, it’s quite amazing to see how far nursing homes have come over the past 50 years.

To explore how nursing homes have evolved over the years, check out the article “Nursing Homes in the Good Old Days” on Nursing Home Volunteer. It provides an interesting perspective on the changes in long-term care.

2025-01-10

[careandcurriculum]

Trends in My Field (Long-Term Care)

This blog topic is on “trends in my field.” There are many trends continuing and developing as we speak. These trends include addressing staffing shortages, improving employee wellness, utilizing technology, introducing physical therapy for patients, initiating occupational therapy, and providing home-based care.

As a healthcare provider, I began as an HCA, later became an LPN, and now have over 20 years of experience in the field. I have had first-hand experience with the many forms of nursing homes and community settings focused on the care of our elders. Over the years, I have observed variations in care across different facilities. However, one trend stands out to me, and I am happy to see it being implemented more and more.

See this article for more information on trends in long-term care. "Future of Long-Term Care: Emerging Trends and Challenges,"

2025-01-10