CAI: a strategy for retaining minority and academically disadvantaged students

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Educational Technology
• Academic Support

Background:

• High attrition rates in nursing programs pose a significant challenge.
• Students with academic deficiencies require targeted interventions for success.
• Traditional teaching methods may not adequately support all learners.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) program.
• To improve retention rates among students with academic deficiencies.
• To enhance student success in a medical-surgical nursing course.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a CAI program aligned with curriculum objectives.
• CAI modules designed based on course and unit-specific learning goals.
• Utilizing CAI as a supplementary teaching-learning strategy.

Main Results:

• A reduction in student failures within the medical-surgical nursing course.
• Improved academic performance for students utilizing the CAI program.
• Positive impact on overall student retention.

Conclusions:

• Computer-assisted instruction is an effective strategy for supporting at-risk nursing students.
• CAI can help mitigate high attrition rates in challenging nursing courses.
• CAI holds potential for aiding minority and disadvantaged students in baccalaureate programs.