Authentic learning: Pedagogical approach to promote cognitive realism in a virtual environment

Amidst this global pandemic, clinical education shifted to a virtual platform. In order to provide students with a meaningful learning experience, nurse educators developed modules using principles of authentic learning. Authentic learning engages students in "real-life" activities that resemble practice requiring analy-sis, problem-solving, and a multidisciplinary perspective. Each module concluded with a synchronous Virtual Communities of Practice (VCP) session. The VCP session included a guest speaker, relevant to the topic, to reflect on and discuss real-time issues. This pedagogical approach to learning cultivated cognitive realism and meaningful knowledge vital to entry level practice.(c) 2022 Organization for Associate Degree Nursing. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.