An exploration of four web-based open and flexible learning modules in post-registration nurse education.
This paper presents an exploratory evaluation of four newly developed web-based modules for post-registration nurses. The topics for the modules were: dermatology; diabetes; mentorship; and prescribing.


OBJECTIVE
To explore the students' perceptions of the web-based modules before and after completing the modules.


METHODS
A pre-post test design using questionnaires and group interviews.


METHODS
39 students enrolled on the modules, pre-module data were collected on 74% (n = 29) and post-module data on 71% (n = 28). None of students had previous web-based education experience. 79% (n = 31) completed and 66% (n = 26) passed the modules. Students level of IT skills prior to commencing the modules were important in explaining module completion and outcome. The modules were rated highly in terms of achieving learning outcomes with moderate ratings for level of support and utility of learning materials. The content analysis of the interviews highlighted the importance of preparing students ensuring they have the IT and independent learning skills necessary to participate in web-based learning programmes, together with a number of issues relating to the accessibility of the learning materials. The perceived benefits of this mode of learning were that they offered flexible and resource rich learning. The downside was that the learning can be isolating.


CONCLUSIONS
This form of learning may not be suited to all groups of nurses or all educational topics. Further research is required to establish the educational benefits of different approaches to e-learning.
Wilkinson
Ann
A
The Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery, King's College London, James Clerk Maxwell Building, 57 Waterloo Road, SE1 8WA London, UK. ann.wilkinson@kcl.ac.uk
Forbes
Angus
A
Bloomfield
Jacqueline
J
Fincham Gee
Caroline
C
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D003197:Computer Literacy; D003200:Computer User Training; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D003479:Curriculum / Q000592:standards; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017145:Models, Educational; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom