A new medical education study demonstrates how a modular, flipped-classroom curriculum using character animations can better train nursing students to deliver effective care to patients with dementia and other cognitive disorders.

Previous research has shown that flipped classroom curricula can better engage students through active as opposed to passive learning. Partnering with researchers at the University of Hawaii, University of Honolulu, and University of Washington, the team developed a novel, flipped-classroom geriatrics curriculum that was first implemented at two nursing programs in Connecticut and then adapted to a nursing program in Hawaii.

After assessing learning objectives and content, the group of clinician-educators designed two modules that involved animated characters Raymond and the Brain teaching dementia and cognition concepts. The team found that students at all three institutions rated both modules highly, with knowledge scores improving significantly after the intervention.

To learn more, read the article: “Cognition and dementia with Raymond and Brain: Curriculum development and evaluation using interactive animated flipped-classroom modules to impact nursing students’ attitude toward dementia care”

Brown B, Kang G, Schwartz A, et al. Cognition and dementia with Raymond and Brain: Curriculum development and evaluation using interactive animated flipped-classroom modules to impact nursing students' attitude toward dementia care. Nurse Educ Pract. 2023;71:103696. doi:10.1016/j.nepr.2023.103696