Performance and satisfaction of second-degree BSN students in Web-based and traditional course delivery environments

The rapid growth of Web-based education presents many challenges for educational institutions. Educators are obligated to ascertain that Web-based courses and curricula meet students' needs, while achieving curricular objectives. Performance of second-degree bachelor of science in nursing students enrolled in two course delivery methods (i.e., Web-based and traditional classroom with Web enhancements) was evaluated by comparing mean aggregate final course grades and composite examination scores. In addition, factors that contributed to student satisfaction with the method of course delivery were identified. Students in the Web-based course scored significantly higher on both performance measures, whereas students in the traditional course were more satisfied. These data suggest that Web-based courses and curricula are valid alternatives to the traditional classroom method, and may help reverse today's nursing environment of cyclical shortages and declining nursing school enrollments.