title: E-learning & information communication technology (ICT) in nursing education: A review of the literature.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine primary research articles published between January 2001 and December 2012 that focused on the issues for students and educators involved with E-learning in preregistration nursing programs. The literature was systematically reviewed, critically appraised and thematically analyzed.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  E-learning is arguably the most significant change to occur in nursing education since the move from hospital training to the tertiary sector. Differences in computer and information literacy for both students and educators influence the success of implementation of E-learning into current curricula.
  
  
  METHODS
  Online databases including CINAHL, MEDLINE, OVID, the ProQuest Central, PubMed, ERIC and Science Direct were used.
  
  
  METHODS
  The criteria used for selecting studies reviewed were: primary focus on electronic learning and issues faced by nursing students and/or nurse educators from undergraduate preregistration nursing programs; all articles had to be primary research studies, published in English in peer reviewed journals between January 2001 and December 2012.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Analysis of the 28 reviewed studies revealed the following three themes: issues relating to E-learning for students; use of information technologies; educator (faculty) issues involving pedagogy, workload and staff development in E-learning and associated technology.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The review highlighted that commencing preregistration nursing students required ongoing education and support surrounding nursing informatics. This support would enable students to progress and be equipped with the life-long learning skills required to provide safe evidence based care. The review also identified the increased time and skill demands placed on nurse educators to adapt their current education methodologies and teaching strategies to incorporate E-learning.
authors.affiliation: Flinders University Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Academic Staff, Sturt Building, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. Electronic address: didy.button@flinders.edu.au.
authors.forename: Didy
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Button
authors.affiliation: Flinders University Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Academic Staff, Sturt Building, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. Electronic address: ann.harrington@flinders.edu.au.
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Harrington
authors.affiliation: Flinders University Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Academic Staff, Sturt Building, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. Electronic address: ingrid.belan@flinders.edu.au.
authors.forename: Ingrid
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Belan
mesh_terms: D020375:Education, Distance; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D005178:Faculty; D020407:Internet; D048108:Nursing Informatics / Q000193:education*; D013192:Staff Development; D013338:Students, Nursing
keywords: E-learning; Education; Faculty; Informatics; Nursing; Student