Nurse educators' acceptance of the computer in baccalaureate nursing programs

Although several studies have investigated nurse educators' perceived knowledge of and acceptance of computer technology, none have incorporated objective indicators of knowledge or acceptance. This descriptive research study used standardized and investigator-developed tests to examine acceptance of the computer by randomly selected administrators and faculty in private baccalaureate nursing programs. Levels of computer literacy and attitudes were sufficiently positive to promote the awareness, interest, and evaluation stages of Roger's diffusion and adoption model. Responses were not sufficiently positive to promote the trial and adoption of computer technology for instructional and administrative activities. Recommended approaches to meeting this challenge included instruction related to computer software and educational applications and the use of consortial arrangements to share knowledge, computer hardware and software, and application experiences.