Computer mediated conferencing - a hope or hype for healthcare education in higher learning?: A review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
In view of the increase use of computer mediated conferencing (CMC) by nurses with other health care professionals in health care education, this literature review provides insights into the experiences and issues surrounding the use of the technology by nursing students and their use with other health care students. It is an important initial step in designing and developing strategies in the use of CMC. This literature review also aims to structure the available research findings of needs and experiences of other health care students and students from disciplines other than health care to provide the best approximation of what nursing students will experience in diverse groups for inter-professional learning.


METHODS
Literature review.


RESULTS
The literature review indicates a substantial amount of students' experiences and expectations in CMC. The problems thus far, are more complex than access and use of the technology, and emerged as six different, but related issues associated with technology and reflective and collaborative online learning in a constructivist learning environment.


CONCLUSIONS
Priority needs should be central in the preparation of student in the constructivist learning environment. Concerted efforts should not be just about increasing students' technological competence, but on addressing the socio-psychological dimensions in CMC.
Loke Jennifer
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Faculty of Health and Social Care, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, England, United Kingdom. j.loke@hull.ac.uk
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D003142:Communication; D003197:Computer Literacy; D003200:Computer User Training; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000458:organization & administration; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018961:Educational Technology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology; D013685:Telecommunications / Q000458:organization & administration*