UC College of Nursing Designated Again as an Apple Distinguished Program

The University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Nursing has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished Program (ADP) for the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 academic years for its iCoN Initiative. Designed to transform the delivery of nursing education in the classroom, simulation laboratory and clinical settings, the initiative began in 2011. The College of Nursing also received the ADP designation from 2014-2016. 

"Advances in technology have played a critical role in nursing care as well as education, and here at the College of Nursing we're committed to being on the cutting edge of those advances," says Greer Glazer, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing. "We want our nurses to be leaders in innovation and our designation as an Apple Distinguished Program for a second time shows our continuing commitment to that mission."

The iCoN Initiative uses immersive training programs, classroom and simulation space to engage students and creatively leverage iPad usage for teaching and learning. 

The ADP designation is reserved for programs that meet criteria for innovation, leadership and educational excellence and demonstrate a clear vision for exemplary learning environments.

"The iPad and complementary apps and platforms have provided an opportunity to go beyond impacting education and transform the way we learn, interact and collaborate," says Matt Rota, director, Center for Academic Technology, Educational Resources and Instructional Design for the College of Nursing. "For the College of Nursing, this transformation has not occurred in a vacuum. It has been fostered by an organizational culture that embraces technology in the classroom, along with committed leadership and a partnership between information technology, instructional design and subject matter experts."

In March of 2012, faculty members began using iPads for research, grading, communication and classroom purposes. To further enhance student learning, iPads provide students access to education apps that support faculty-created assignments. 

"Infusing innovative strategies into the classroom are necessary to meet the needs of these millennial students," says Yvette Pryse, PhD, associate professor of clinical nursing and executive director of undergraduate studies. "One of the greatest tools we've ever had is the iPad. It's allowed us to be more innovative and to bring thinking into the classroom in a way that has meaning for our students."

Being selected as an Apple Distinguished Program for 2016-2018 gives the College of Nursing access to Apple Teacher, a new program created exclusively for educators that offers tips, inspiration, news and learning materials. Faculty can sign up to gain access to the Apple Teacher Learning Center, explore learning resources, brush up on their skills, and gain insight to new products and educational apps.