Learning outcomes in two different teaching approach in nursing education in Iran: e-learning versus lecture

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Nursing Education
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Traditional medical education methods struggle to integrate rapidly advancing information.
• There is a need to evaluate modern teaching strategies for nursing programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of lecture-based versus e-learning methods on nursing students' learning outcomes.
• To assess nursing students' perceptions and engagement with both educational approaches.

Main Methods:

• A cross-over design was employed with 32 third-semester nursing students.
• The Maternal Child nursing course was taught using lecture for four weeks, followed by e-learning for four weeks.
• Student learning outcomes, opinions, and participation were evaluated for each method.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference was observed in student examination scores between the lecture and e-learning methods.
• Students reported higher perceived capability and independence with e-learning.
• Lectures received higher ratings for perceived effectiveness on learning and student motivation.

Conclusions:

• E-learning is a viable method for teaching certain nursing courses.
• Integrating interactive strategies and engaging virtual environments in e-learning can enhance student motivation and learning.
• A blended approach may optimize educational outcomes in nursing.