Computer applications in nursing continuing education

Until recently, computers have been synonymous with mysterious, large mainframes requiring the services of computer wizards such as programmers and system analysts. The evolution of microcomputers and the availability of commercial (off the shelf) software programs has changed this concept and has put computer capabilities and benefits within the reach of any continuing education administrator. Implementing an automated information system demands the knowledge of the administrative process, an understanding of computer devices and the software that makes them work, and training skills, particularly those related to change theory. Armed with this knowledge, one can convert a manual information system to an electronic system using a fairly inexpensive microcomputer, commercial software programs, and existing personnel.