Role of Creative Drama in Conscious Technology Use Among Nursing Students: A Mixed-Methods Study
Role of Creative Drama in Conscious Technology Use Among Nursing Students: A Mixed-Methods Study
Background:
Technology addiction is increasingly recognized as a behavioral addiction that may negatively affect young adults' academic performance, psychosocial well-being, and quality of life. Innovative and evidence-informed educational approaches are needed in nursing education to promote balanced and conscious technology use.
Objective:
This study aims to evaluate the effect of a Creative Drama workshop on nursing students' awareness of technology addiction.
Design:
The study utilizes an embedded mixed-methods design.
Setting:
The study is conducted with nursing students enrolled at a university in Turkey.
Participants:
A total of 110 nursing students participate in the quantitative phase of the study. Twelve nursing students, selected using criterion sampling, participate in the qualitative phase.
Methods:
Quantitative data are collected using the Technology Addiction Scale and analyzed using SPSS. Qualitative data are obtained through field notes and semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis with MAXQDA software.
Technology use has become an integral part of daily life. Although technological innovations facilitate learning and communication, excessive and uncontrolled use may lead to technology addiction. Technology addiction refers to the inability to control technology use despite its negative consequences and is considered a form of behavioral addiction.
In nursing education, technological tools such as simulations, e-learning platforms, and digital resources are widely used to support learning. While these tools offer educational benefits, excessive use may negatively affect students' concentration, stress levels, and overall well-being. Therefore, effective and innovative educational interventions are needed to promote conscious and balanced technology use among nursing students.
Creative Drama is a participatory and interactive educational method that encourages self-expression, empathy development, social interaction, and problem-solving skills. It is considered a cost-effective approach that can enhance awareness and reflective thinking. Through improvisation and experiential activities, participants explore real-life situations and develop insight into personal behaviors.
Limited evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of Creative Drama in addressing technology addiction among nursing students. This study is designed to evaluate whether a Creative Drama-based intervention can influence nursing students' awareness of technology addiction.
Inclusion Criteria:
Ability to respond verbally to questions No communication barriers (vision, hearing problems, etc.)
Exclusion Criteria:
Students who do not consent to participate Students with incomplete attendance in the Creative Drama workshop