The Extended Classroom

Didactic Adaptations for Enhanced Learning Outcomes Across Campuses

Abstract

This article examines experiences and didactic adaptations associated with implementing The Extended Classroom in the master's program in public health nursing at UiT The Arctic University of Norway. The Extended Classroom is a hybrid teaching model that integrates physical and digital instruction across specially designed class rooms, enabling real-time interaction between educators and students across campuses. This approach is particularly suited for decentralized education programs and a student population requiring flexible and regionally accessible solutions. The article explores how The Extended Classroom can address recruitment challenges in Northern Norway by contributing to the education of public health nurses in the region.

We reflect on how the combination of physical and digital teaching, digital learning resources, and fully digital teaching creates a holistic learning experience. This is especially critical in practical professional education such as public health nursing, where relationship-building, communication, and reflection are central components. Additionally, we discuss the limitations of fully digital instruction and highlight how The Extended Classroom promotes a sense of community, dialogic learning, and student engagement. Teaching methods such as flipped classroom, learning pathways in the Canvas learning platform, and varied assessment forms are described as strategies to promote critical thinking and long-term professional development.

Finally, we emphasize that The Extended Classroom is not a resource-saving initiative but rather a flexible teaching model requiring continuous evaluation and adaptation. Through revisions of the curriculum and course structure, the master's program in public health nursing has been adapted to provide students with a cohesive learning experience. This approach ensures inclusive education, strengthens professional growth, and contributes to sustainable educational solutions that meet the evolving needs of the healthcare sector.