title: Flexible learning for postgraduate nurses: a basis for planning.
abstract: This paper describes a survey undertaken with postgraduate nursing students in a New Zealand University based School of Nursing in 2002 to establish their access to and use of computers and information technology for study. Whilst there is minimal flexibility and use of technology to support student learning for postgraduate nurses in the University's School of Nursing presently, the University proposes increasing flexibility across all courses. This is in part a response to the increased internationalisation of education and developments in technology affecting programme design, delivery and support that can benefit teachers and students. The findings of this survey form a basis for planning the introduction of flexible learning. Results indicate that not all students have convenient access to technology for study purposes, nor are they at the same level in terms of using technology. The implications of the survey for planning flexible learning, including the need to be explicit about requirements for access to technology and upskilling opportunities are discussed.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. m.honey@auckland.ac.nz
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Honey
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D003197:Computer Literacy; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000592:standards*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004651:Employment; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000458:organization & administration*; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009520:New Zealand; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D010934:Planning Techniques; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires