Evaluation of a web-based graduate continuing nursing education program in Japan: A randomized controlled trial

Web-based learning provides educational opportunities for students who are independent and self-directed. While the complexities of educational outcomes of web-based learning have not yet been completely documented, further studies are required using rigorous research design techniques to study the outcomes of web-based learning as compared to traditional face-to-face learning. The purposes of this study were to: (1) assess the learner outcomes of web-based learning as compared to face-to-face learning group, and (2) explore methods that maximize the use of web-based learning for continuing nursing education. A randomized controlled trial of web-based learning in comparison to face-to-face lectures for registered nurses or midwives was conducted. One hundred and one nurses and midwives were eligible to participate and 93 were randomized, 45 for the web-based learning and 48 for the face-to face group. Thirty-seven (82.2%) completed the web-based learning and 33 (68.8%) the face-to-face program. There was no difference in the post-test scores between the web-based learning group (mean=76.2) and the face-to-face learning group (mean=79.4) (t=0.66, df=68, p=0.51). There were three distinct advantages to the web-based group, even though both group demonstrated the same learning outcomes. First the dropout rate was lower in the web-based program. Second the flexibility of web-based learning was reported by several participants. Finally, web-based learning was attractive to an affordable for a wide age range of the nurses.