Curriculum planning and computer-assisted instruction (CAI) within clinical nursing education

Some experts in nursing and computers have stated that the integration of the computer within nursing education needs to be planned. It has also been declared that there is a need for a body of knowledge that describes the planning and implementing of CAI and the degree of success with the implementation of CAI within nursing education. There is a paucity of literature addressing the planning, implementing, and evaluation of CAI within clinical nursing education. The purpose of this paper is to add to a knowledge base for the successful implementation of CAI within clinical nursing education. The information in this paper is based upon a two year study of CAI use within the clinical component of one course within a baccalaureate nursing program. A description of this approach to clinical nursing education is provided.