Integrating Web-based instruction into a graduate nursing program taught via videoconferencing. Challenges and...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Distance Learning
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Case Management programs and Post-Master's Case Management certificate programs were offered via distance education.
• Video-conferencing was the primary mode of delivery for these programs.
• Challenges existed in integrating Web-based instruction (WBI) effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the methods, challenges, and solutions for integrating WBI into nursing distance education programs.
• To evaluate the impact of WBI and computer-mediated communication on student collaboration.
• To assess the success of WBI in supporting flexible and convenient academic activities.

Main Methods:

• Integration of Web-based instruction (WBI) into existing video-conferencing based nursing programs.
• Utilization of computer-mediated communication tools to foster student collaboration across 11 sites.
• Faculty and student engagement in academic activities through WBI.

Main Results:

• Successful integration of WBI was achieved, enhancing collaboration among students.
• Students and faculty benefited from the flexibility of completing academic activities at convenient times and locations.
• WBI tools facilitated collaborative work that surpassed faculty expectations.

Conclusions:

• Integrating WBI into nursing distance education programs is effective in promoting student collaboration.
• The flexibility offered by WBI supports both students and faculty in distance learning environments.
• Computer-mediated communication within WBI significantly contributes to high-quality student output in nursing education.