Abstract
E-learning is a tool use to deliver continued professional education to health professionals. However, distance- or E-learning provides the lecturer with a challenging task: to provide a similar environment in the on-line classroom as that provided on-campus. The aim was to provide distance learners with a stimulating and interesting learning environment, to enhance the learning process and provide them with a forum for discussion and self-directed learning.New lectures were designed using a Virtual Learning Environment (WebCT) including animated diagrams, hyper-linked web addresses, self-assessment quizzes, communication tools (email and discussion boards). To determine how well the new format was received 3 student questionnaires were employed in addition to group and telephone interviews. Results indicate that the new method of presentation was very well received by the majority of students; however a minority of students made no use of the interactive component.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 664-666 |
| Journal | Biomedical Scientist |
| Volume | 53 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 2009 |
Bibliographical note
Reference text: 1. Campus One. http://campusone.ulster.ac.uk/ Accessed 3rd Feb 2009.2. Ayer S, Smith C. Planning flexible education to match the needs of the community; a national survey. Journal of Advanced Nursing 1998;72 (5), pp1034-47.
3. Kenny A. Online learning: enhancing nurse education? Journal of Advanced Nursing (2002; 38 (2), pp 127-135.
4. Chapman L. Distance learning for post-registered nursing: the facts, Nursing Standard 2000: 14 (18), pp 33-36.
5. Department of Health (1997) Modern Dependable. Department of Health, London.
6. Department of Health (2000) NHS Plan. Department of Health, London
7. Wilkinson A, Forbes A, Bloomfield, J, Fincham, Gee C. An exploration of four web-based open and flexible learning modules in post-registration nurse education, International Journal of Nursing Studies 2004; 41(4), pp 411-24.
8. Beetham H. Understanding E-learning TechLearn Workshop, July 2002. Available at http://www.techlearn.ac.uk.NewDocs/E-learning.doc. Accessed April 2004.
9. Lewis MJ, Davies R, Jenkins D, Tait MI. A review of evaluative studies of computer-based learning in nursing education, Nurse Education Today 2001: 21(1), pp 26-37.
10. Chumley-Jones HS, Dobbie A, Alford CL. Web-based learning: sound educational method or hype? A review of the evaluation literature, Academic Medicine 2002: 7(10 Suppl), pp 86-93.
11. Adams AM. Pedagogical underpinnings of computer-based learning, Journal of Advanced Nursing 2004: 46(1), pp5-12.
12. Berke WJ, Wiseman TL. The E-learning answer, Nursing Management. Supplement 2003; pp 26-9.
13. Stokes, C.W., Basford, L. and Cannavina, G. (2004) Student State of Readiness for E-learning: University of Sheffield's Faculty of Medicine, European Journal of Dentistry Education, 8(2), pp 95.
14. Roscoe J. E-learning in higher education. The way forward for HE? 2002. Electronic article accessed at the ILT members web site on April 02.