The perceived benefits of a virtual community: effects of learning style, race, ethnicity, and frequency of use on nursing students.
BACKGROUND
It is important for nursing faculty to consider the variability in learning style among nursing students.


OBJECTIVE
The researchers sought to compare differences in perceived learning benefits among nursing students who had different learning styles and in frequency of use of a virtual community learning intervention. METHOD Using a comparative approach, learning style was measured with the Kolb Learning Style Inventory. Frequency of use and benefit were measured with an exit survey.


RESULTS
No differences in perceived benefit were found according to learning style. Subjects with frequent use of the virtual community reported significantly greater learning benefits than those with infrequent use, regardless of learning style. Also found was a statistically significant relationship between Kolb learning-style scores and race or ethnicity.


CONCLUSIONS
All nursing students may potentially benefit from virtual community use.
Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Louis
L
Fogg
Rush University College of Nursing, USA.
Linnea
L
Carlson-Sabelli
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA.
Karen
K
Carlson
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
Jean
J
Giddens
D000328:Adult; D019058:Community Networks; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000379:methods*; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000523:psychology*; D005181:Faculty, Nursing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D055815:Young Adult