On 10th September 2020, The Harry Crossley Children`s Nursing Development Unit (CNDU), hosted their second virtual Child Nurse Educator`s Forum. The purpose of this forum was to create an open and safe collaborative space for attendees to share their experiences about “online learning” and enabling peer and technical support. Child Nurse Educators from across South Africa, Botswana, Ghana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya and Saudi Arabia, shared their perspectives about online learning platforms, technical resources required, and the interface used to communicate effectively with students in the virtual world.

For most educators the shift from “face to face” to “online” teaching came about swiftly as the COVID 19 pandemic became a reality, resulting in many educators feeling ill equipped to develop online content and engage online with students. Nawaal Deane, Saadiq Behardien and Stephan Steyn from the Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (CILT) at UCT, shared useful information and techniques on how to enhance the learning experience for both students and educators. This was filled with practical tips on things such as how to position yourself on screen and best use natural lighting. The quick demonstration on how to record audio to a PowerPoint presentation, was also invaluable. For me though the greatest advise was the emphasis on ‘remaining human’ on screen so that students / participants can identify with and see the person behind the voice.

Natasha North, Senior Research Officer at CNDU, concluded the forum with a brief introduction to a new resource guide to developing a Capability Maturity Model for establishing Children’s Nursing Education Programmes.

Written by Tracy-ann Castle, Clinical Educator, CNDU