title: Access to, interest in and attitude toward e-learning for continuous education among Malaysian nurses.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Continuous nursing education (CNE) courses delivered through e-learning is believed to be an effective mode of learning for nurses. Implementation of e-learning modules requires pre-assessment of infrastructure and learners' characteristics. Understanding the learners' needs and their perspectives would facilitate effective e-learning delivery by addressing the underlying issues and providing necessary support to learners.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to examine access to computer and Internet facilities, interest in and preferences regarding e-learning, and attitudes toward e-learning among nurses in Peninsular Malaysia.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  Government hospitals and community clinics in four main regions of Peninsular Malaysia.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 300 registered nurses.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected using questionnaires, which consisted of demographic and background items and questions on access to computer and Internet facilities, interest and preferences in e-learning, and attitudes toward e-learning. Descriptive analysis and a chi-squared test were used to identify associations between variables.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most Malaysian nurses had access to a personal or home computer (85.3%, n=256) and computer access at work (85.3%, n=256). The majority had Internet access at home (84%, n=252) and at work (71.8%, n=215); however, average hours of weekly computer use were low. Most nurses (83%, n=249) did not have an e-learning experience but were interested in e-learning activities. Most nurses displayed positive attitudes toward e-learning. Average weekly computer use and interest in e-learning were positively associated with attitudes toward e-learning.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Study findings suggest that organizational support is needed to promote accessibility of information and communications technology (ICT) facilities for Malaysian nurses to motivate their involvement in e-learning.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing Science Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Electronic address: mcchong@um.edu.my.
authors.forename: Mei Chan
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Chong
authors.affiliation: Australian Catholic University Ballarat Campus (Aquinas), Pell Centre, Ground Level 322, VIC, Australia. Electronic address: Karen.Francis@acu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Francis
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare, Federation University Australia, Gippsland Campus, Room 2W-262, Churchill, VIC, Australia. Electronic address: s.cooper@federation.edu.au.
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing Science Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Electronic address: katlim@um.edu.my.
authors.forename: Khatijah Lim
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Abdullah
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing Science Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Electronic address: aprial.thin@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Nant Thin Thin
authors.initials: NT
authors.lastname: Hmwe
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing Science Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Electronic address: armasha83@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Salina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sohod
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D020375:Education, Distance; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Attitudes; Computers; E-Learning; Internet; Malaysia; Nursing education; Registered nurses