Comparison of learning outcomes between graduate students in telecourses and those in traditional classrooms

The shortage of master's-prepared nurses has led to the practice of providing educational opportunities to such students through courses taught by live television. This study compared learning outcomes between students taught by TV and those taking the classes in a traditional classroom. Eight traditional and seven telecourse classes were included. No significant differences were found for all comparisons of telecourse students between those at remote sites and those in the studio. No significant differences were found for four of seven comparisons between traditional and telecourse students. For three comparisons, the traditional students performed somewhat better but the differences, although statistically significant, were minimal. The study provides support for the efficacy of teaching master's-level courses by television.