Telecollaboration: A Concept Analysis

Purpose: Knowledge and skills for practice in a complex, technologically sophisticated environment is necessary for health care professionals as technology and informatics in health care evolves. With the continued growth of digital technologies and technological pedagogical knowledge, new opportunities for collaborative initiatives and their implementations are set in educational contexts. Therefore, there is a need for clarification of the telecollaboration concept that can be integrated into nursing academia. The aim of this study is to analyze the concept of telecollaboration and propose a definition of telecollaboration that can be used for nursing education. Telecollaboration is a relatively new concept; yet, one that is significant in nursing education. Rodgers and Knafl’s (2000) method of evolutionary concept analysis is used to identify the attributes, antecedents, and consequences of the concept.

Methods: A literature search was conducted without time restriction on the publication year using PubMed, CINAHL, ERIC, Academic search Premier, Science Direct, OVID, and MEDLINE using the keyword: telecollaboration.

Results: Based on the 133 eligible studies, four major attributes emerged: Pedagogical structure, attitude, internet-based tools, and safety and security. Three antecedents are inderpedendency, teamwork, and communication. Consequences of telecollaboration are metacognition and partnership.

Conclusion: A comprehensive definition of telecollaboration is offered as an outcome of this analysis. The findings of this study add to the increasing body of literature about online learning and collaborative behaviors through technology-mediated interactions. Minimal publications were noted in nursing education and emphasize the evidence for the support of the concept in nursing academia. The development of the operational definition of the concept of telecollaboration will promote further concept development and promotion. Further refinement of the concept of telecollaboration will enhance and promote its integration into nursing education. Clarification of telecollaboration prior to using it as a pedagogic tool in the online learning environment will enhance nursing education with the changes in nursing curriculum being implemented today.