The Center for Innovation in Clinical Learning
In support of the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing’s mission, the Center for Innovation in Clinical Learning strives to support both faculty and students by offering innovative teaching and learning opportunities, continually exploring new computer-based technologies in the health field, and technical support for the school’s computer labs, simulation lab, skills lab, faculty and staff.
The CICL at the School of Nursing provides technology and educational support to the students, faculty and staff of the school. The department houses two computer labs, a quiet study area, videotape library and viewing area, SIM lab and a clinical lab. In addition to providing distance education and technology support throughout the building, we support traditional instructional support for the classrooms.
By connecting to the regional campuses via distance learning, the School is able to broadcast high quality course lectures, guest speakers and conferences. The network utilizes state-of-the-art videoconferencing equipment that enables faculty to offer quality transmission for students in remote areas. Distance education provides undergraduate through graduate level nursing curriculum using live video feeds to geographic locations that would otherwise not have access and gives students the opportunity to experience clinical settings throughout the country. Distance sites have included Miami Children’s Hospital, University of Oregon Medical Center, hospitals in Washington state, Michigan, as well as multiple sites across Pennsylvania. Faculty have also been able to participate in meetings throughout the country via this technology, including Doctoral dissertation defenses at other universities. The CICL also arranges international live video feeds to recruit foreign students and share knowledge across borders.
The center supports both on-site, web-supported, and distance education and consists of a cluster of teaching and learning environments. A nursing skills lab includes hospital bedside units (10), exam tables, and adult- and child-sized mannequins as well as additional equipment. The skills lab is used for a variety of teaching activities designed to provide experience performing a comprehensive physical examination, making a differential diagnosis, and developing and evaluating the management plan.