Spotlight on Amanda Crocetti: Digital Learning Technician at Mohawk College

From designing virtual escape rooms to piloting virtual reality (VR) technology, Amanda Crocetti is reshaping how nursing students learn at Mohawk College. As a Digital Learning Technician, she combines creativity, technology, and education to create immersive experiences.

Her mission? To help faculty make their courses more interactive and engaging for learners. Amanda’s work ensures students receive a modern, immersive educational experience.

“Without digital learning techs,” Amanda explains, “it would mostly be PowerPoints over Zoom or Teams. We try to make it more engaging for learners.”

Key takeaways:

• By integrating VR and inspiration from escape rooms, Amanda shows how tech can create immersive learning experiences. 
• Amanda highlights the importance of working closely with faculty to tailor digital tools to meet their teaching needs.
• Amanda’s work underscores the importance of VR and simulations in preparing students for real-world scenarios.

Amanda’s Journey to Digital Learning

Amanda’s journey into this role was an interesting one. Originally pursuing a master’s in occupational therapy (OT), her placement during the pandemic introduced her to the world of digital learning. She began assisting a faculty member in making online courses more engaging, which soon expanded to other faculty members.

“It doesn’t seem like it would be a natural fit,” Amanda reflects, “but it ended up being quite a good fit. We look at accessibility, the online environment, and learning goals. It feels very collaborative. In OT, we consider the environment, the person, and their goals. I use the same approach in my current role—analyzing the digital learning environment and tailoring it to the needs of faculty and students.”

Innovations in Nursing Education at Mohawk College

Amanda’s contributions have impacted nursing education at Mohawk. One standout project was the creation of four nursing-themed escape rooms. Developed in collaboration with other colleges, these escape rooms helped nursing students prepare for exams in an interactive way.

“The students really enjoyed it,” Amanda shares. “While the data wasn’t conclusive in terms of grades, the qualitative feedback showed students found it helpful and engaging.”

Another major initiative has been piloting VR in nursing education using UbiSim. “We started small, with two students per session and one moderator. The students who participated found it valuable for practicing clinical thinking and communication in a risk-free environment.” Amanda is working with faculty to refine the experience further, including adding resources like a digital medication book.

Collaborative Technology Integration

Amanda’s work thrives on collaboration with nursing faculty. When introducing new tools like VR, Amanda and her team ensure faculty are actively involved in decision-making.

“We trialed both UbiSim and another company with the nursing faculty, and UbiSim stood out for being the most nursing-focused, user-friendly, and having the easiest editor.” 

Amanda also plays a key role in using UbiSim’s Intuitive Editor. “Faculty choose the simulations they want to use, and I help implement edits.” 

Overcoming Student Attendance Challenges

Integrating new technology isn’t without its challenges. Amanda notes issues like student attendance and resource limitations. “We’re offering certificates to incentivize participation and streamlining the signup process.”

Budget constraints in the current educational climate also pose difficulties. “Expanding into new technologies is hard right now due to cutbacks,” Amanda admits. “But in the future, I see more mixed reality and VR tools being adopted to enhance experiential learning.”

The Future of Digital Learning

Amanda is excited about the future of digital learning in nursing education. “VR offers a safe space for students to practice skills and build confidence. I hope we can eventually scale up to include small groups and peer-moderated sessions.”

Advice for Others

Amanda’s advice for educators exploring digital tools? Collaboration is key. “Faculty are the subject matter experts. We listen to their needs and provide tailored solutions to enhance their courses. It’s a partnership that drives innovation and better learning outcomes.”

Amanda’s work at Mohawk College demonstrates how technology can transform nursing education, making it more engaging, accessible, and impactful. As the field continues to evolve, her contributions pave the way for a future where immersive learning takes center stage.