Evaluating a Web-enhanced bachelor of nursing curriculum: perspectives of third-year students.

Full Abstract

Little is known about nursing students' information literacy skills and perceptions of Web-enhanced educational approaches. This study examined graduating Bachelor of Nursing (BN) students' perceptions of a Web-enhanced learning environment, their computer literacy skills, and use of technology, and how these influenced their satisfaction. This Australian survey produced a 64% (n = 170) response rate. The 3-year BN program provides Web-enhanced learning opportunities by incorporating online activities and content such as quizzes, videos, and virtual laboratories that augment on-campus and off-campus learning approaches. Upon graduation, 61.4% of the students reported having competent information literacy skills. The quality and usefulness of the Web-enhanced material was rated fair to above average. The students' perception of technical and faculty support for Web-enhanced learning was low. Overall satisfaction with the Web-enhanced program was associated with level of information technology (IT) skills and perceived quality and usefulness of the Internet material. A regression analysis of factors contributing to students' overall satisfaction of a Web-enhanced learning environment (IT literacy skills, access, and perceived quality, usefulness, and support) accounted for 18.5% of variance. As more nursing programs use Web-based resources, greater attention should be given to the initial assessment and development of students' information literacy skills. Students with good IT skills are more likely to perceive Web-enhanced material as useful.

Author information

Author/s: Creedy, Debra K (DK); Mitchell, Marion (M); Seaton-Sykes, Philippa (P); Cooke, Marie (M); Patterson, Elizabeth (E); Purcell, Christine (C); Weeks, Patricia (P);

Affiliation: Research Centre for Clinical and Community Practice Innovation, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Griffith Health, Griffith University, PMB 50 Gold Coast Mail Centre, Queensland 9726, Australia. D.Creedy(-atsign-)griffith.edu.au

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Evaluation Studies; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: The Journal of nursing education (J Nurs Educ), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Oct; vol 46 (issue 10) : pp 460-7

Dates: Created 2007/10/24; Completed 2007/11/27;

PMID: 17955743, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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