Implementing Web-based instruction in a school of nursing: implications for faculty and students

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Educational Technology
• Online Learning

Background:

• The World Wide Web is a valuable resource for nursing education, increasingly used for course delivery.
• Implementing Web-based instruction necessitates careful consideration of faculty and student development needs.
• Faculty roles require reconceptualization for effective Web-based teaching, addressing instructional design, interaction, and management skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe strategies for meeting faculty and student development needs in a redesigned Web-based RN-BSN completion program.
• To address challenges associated with Web-based learning for both educators and students in nursing programs.

Main Methods:

• The study details strategies implemented by a school of nursing for Web-based instruction redesign.
• Focus on faculty and student development needs during the transition to online learning.

Main Results:

• Faculty require support in instructional design, faculty-student interaction, and time/technology management.
• Students face challenges in adapting to self-directed learning and managing time/technology.
• Successful implementation requires addressing both faculty and student role development.

Conclusions:

• Effective Web-based nursing education hinges on robust faculty and student development strategies.
• Addressing instructional design, interaction, and self-directed learning is crucial for successful online programs.
• Proactive support systems are essential for optimizing technology use in nursing education.