In a period wherein most people in various fields are dependent to computer and internet use, it is not a surprise that schools will adopt the use of the said technology as part of their education approach to enhance the existent traditional and not so traditional teaching styles. However, as compared to the traditional lecture type classroom discussion, the use of e-learning in certain core subjects, particularly in nursing, has yet to be proven amply beneficial and effective. This article now discusses one important feedback whether this innovation in education is effective or not. It reflects the students’ point of view regarding the Web-enhanced Nursing Education Curriculum.

Several studies have been made about Web-based education which is defined to be of a different thing from Web-enhanced. With the term itself, the technique only enhances the education approach, making it classroom style plus internet-based. Studies reveal that online learning gives the students a wide-range of opportunities to access and acquire new knowledge from the up to date additions in research. The internet indeed has a lot of learning advantages, however, every advantage comes with an adjacent disadvantage. Aside from the advantages and disadvantages accounted, another factor considered is the programs appeal to the intended user and beneficiary of the whole process, which is the student body. The educators are the one responsible in the evaluation of this integration based on the students’ perception of the program; its usefulness, accessibility, and availability for all.

In this research conducted, the authors integrated an existing framework by Billing on evaluating technology-based teaching approach to the other factors determined in other researches of the same wavelength. In doing so, they were able to come up with four factors to be measured in this evaluation: computer literacy, faculty support, internet access, and learning approaches. These measures comprised the students’ satisfaction in the program.

Since not all students in a class are fresh Secondary level graduates, which are most likely to have ample computer and internet background, ability to manipulate the computer through its programs was a problem considered. Sudden orientation to the unit’s use produced unfavorable outcomes, most specially in the students’ performance. The students focused more on learning about the proper use of the computer rather than the topics discussed. It was recommended that the students must undergo a preparatory course on computer and internet use as well as the orientation to the system used involving more of the incompetent computer users, for them to develop the confidence in its use.

One of the disadvantages mentioned in the study of McKimm, et al in 2003 as part of the barriers to online learning is the insufficient and irregular internet access. Aside from these fore mentioned factors, the availability of a computer and internet access at home was also counted. Presence of these factors may deflect the students’ focus and interest in the program.
Traditional vs Modern teaching approaches has been in constant comparison. Several responses can be derived to this question. Both approaches use communication as a tool in different forms. However, some studies reveal that there are more feedbacks and reactions were observed during online discussions. On the other hand, some expresses a lack of substance pertaining to online sessions. In these occurrences, the faculty must take charge in making whatever session sensible and conducive for learning by setting limits.

Overall, the innovation used nowadays in the field of nursing education has a great chance to achieve a high satisfaction rating from its users. The moderators should take into consideration the users’ feedbacks to improve the system of learning. Pursuing this kind of approach, may evolve the students to be more independent and active in their studies. In addition, other factors must also be considered in maintaining the students’ interest in the web-enhanced course, taking the appeal of the instructor as an example.




REFERENCES:

McKimm J, Jollie C, Cantillon P (2003). ABC of Learning and Teaching: Web-Based Learning. British Medical Journal, April 19, 2003, from PubMed Central.

Hermans C, Haytko D, Stenerson B (2008).Student Satisfaction in Web-enhanced learning Environment. Journal of Instructional Pedagogies, 2008, from PubMed Central.

Mitchell E, Ryan A, Carson O, et al (2007). An Exploratory Study of Web-enhanced Learning in Undergraduate Nurse Education. Journal of Clinical Nursing, Vol. 16 2287-2296, December 2007, from PubMed Central.

The world is becoming more and more fast paced. Technology has increased so much in the last few years and this trend looks like it will continue. It is so important to keep up with these emerging technologies and the skills that are required to properly use these new gadgets. These technologies would also give advancement to students in their learning, students. In nursing education likewise, nurses would always refer to the net when paper works and research works are to be complied.

Based on the research “An exploratory study of web-enhanced learning in undergraduate nurse education”.by authors Mitchell, Elizabeth A (EA); Ryan, Assumpta (A); Carson, Oonagh (O); McCann, Siobhain (S);

As information technology is an integral component of western health care, all nurses are expected to have the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to be competent in its use.

In their study it results that Students held favourable attitudes towards web-enhanced learning but some students experienced difficulties. There was a significant positive association between the students' assignment mark and the number of times logged onto the module website. Significant negative correlations were found between mark and week of first log on, and week of first log on and number of hits onto the module site. This suggests that students who logged onto the module in the first few weeks were more likely to achieve higher marks.

Basing on the results of the study it is therefore helpful for the students to have a web-based curriculum in enhancing their performance and learning

Reference:

1. Mitchell, Elizabeth A (EA); Ryan, Assumpta (A); Carson, Oonagh (O); McCann, Siobhain (S); (2007).An exploratory study of web-enhanced learning in undergraduate nurse education. Retrieved June 23, 2009 from http://www.find-health-articles.com/rec_pub_18036119-an-exploratory-study-web-enhanced-learning-undergraduate-nurse.htm