Related Experiment Videos
Teaching pathophysiology to diverse students using an online discussion board
1Health Building 420, School of Nursing, San José State University, One Washington Square, San José, CA 95192-0057, USA.
Computers in Nursing
|March 31, 2001
Summary
Online discussions enhance learning for diverse nursing students. This technology facilitated active participation and feedback, shifting towards student-centered education.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Educational Technology
- Online Learning
Background:
- Internet communication offers unique learning opportunities for students facing linguistic and cultural challenges.
- Online discussions can promote active learning in diverse student populations within large lecture settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the implementation of out-of-class online discussions for baccalaureate nursing students.
- To assess the impact of asynchronous threaded discussions on student participation and learning.
Main Methods:
- Asynchronous threaded discussions were conducted outside of class, with students earning points for participation.
- Participation and usage patterns were tracked over a 15-week semester for 64 nursing students.
Main Results:
- 85% of students participated, with 50% being moderate to high users.
- No statistical differences were found between native and non-native English speakers regarding internet use or preferences.
- Approximately 790 messages were exchanged during the semester.
Conclusions:
- Out-of-class online discussions effectively promoted participation and feedback among a diverse nursing student group.
- Despite potential isolation, computer-based communication can foster a shift towards student-centered learning environments.