Information technology opens up prospects for a form for learning that can be customized to students.

Using IT tools, such as multimedia, e-mail, presentation handouts, commercial courseware, CD-ROM materials, computer simulations, computer lab/classroom, www-based resources, teaching can be organized so that the pupils can themselves control the learning process. Educational courses, based on the learners' skills, can be designed in new and more effective ways. A pool of information is globally available that enables teaching with real world situations, for example, a communication professor who teaches advertising requires students to locate various advertising agencies on the internet. The presentations are then critiqued according to the various principles taught in the course. Collaborative activities among student can be facilitated using networked computer labs. Online discussion forums allow students to discuss topics specified by the instructor. Team projects can be completed where team members are located at different geographical locations. Thus education can be made available outside of working hours, on weekends and at remote locations. Computer simulations are extremely useful, especially in scientific studies. Students can explore various facets of human anatomy by simulated dissection, learning how structures relate to one another. Visual tools enable students to better understand concepts. Traditionally, nursing assessment and data management courses have been developed to assist the student in learning how to collect and disseminate pertinent information that can be utilized in the delivery of health care by all members of the health care team. With the information provided within an informatics course, the nursing professional will be better prepared through practical applicability in the clinical setting to more efficiently manage patient care and ultimately the patient's course of treatment. Information technology provides the nurse with a tool which enhances the nurse's potential to more effectively assimilate and integrate information. The first course in this sequence is our initial innovative approach in utilizing the three basic components: information, technology and the nursing care process in developing a solid foundation in nursing informatics for students in nursing. Information technology can act as a break-through tool, enabling nurses to explore and understand the informational and cognitive foundations of their profession. The ability to electronically record, integrate, and analyze data and information enables nurses to quickly move to the synthesis of nursing knowledge and the development of nursing wisdom.