title: The effect of communication on nursing student outcomes in a Web-based course.
abstract: This study compared the effectiveness of different instructional communication methods in a Web-based course on students' cognitive learning, satisfaction, and motivation to complete the course. A total of 174 undergraduate nursing students were selected randomly and assigned to experimental or control groups. Instruments included a demographic data form, two examinations on course material, a course satisfaction scale, and calculation of completion rates. All students received identical didactic Web-based instructional materials. However, type of communication varied among groups. No significant group differences were found for cognitive learning or motivation to complete the course. A significant group difference was found for student satisfaction with the course, indicating carefully planned communication strategies can improve satisfaction. A need for technical support also was evident. More research is needed to determine the best strategies to enhance student learning outcomes and decrease student attrition in Web-based courses.
authors.affiliation: Department of Healthcare Systems and Informatics, Georgia College and State University, School of Health Sciences, Campus Box 64, Milledgeville, GA 31061, USA. karen.frith@gcsu.edu
authors.forename: Karen H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Frith
authors.forename: Carolyn C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Kee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003142:Communication; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000193:education*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013338:Students, Nursing