Strategies for teaching nursing research. A test of computer-assisted instruction in teaching nursing research

Nursing students' preferences in the use of computer assisted learning

One hundred and ten student nurses in the second year of a 3-year diploma program were surveyed following their use of computer assisted learning (CAL) programs. The questionnaire was designed to elicit responses concerning the preferred number of users per terminal, the level of supervision (supervised/unsupervised) and their general affective response to this type of learning. The results showed that the majority (56.4%) of students preferred to work in a group (a group constituted no more than three students per terminal). Whereas 31.8% preferred to work through the program alone, just over 50% would rather be supervised while running the program, and 26.4% expressed a preference for no supervision. There was no relationship found between program content and running the program alone or with others. However, in 10% of the sample there was a positive relationship found between the need for supervision and program content. The reasons given for these preferences and the advantages and disadvantages of CAL, as perceived by the students, are also discussed.

Knowledge, Retention, and Attitude Effects of Computer-Assisted Instruction

The effects of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and lecture upon knowledge, retention, and attitudes of baccalaureate nursing students were compared in this research study. Retention was of particular interest, since few nursing CAI studies have investigated this concept. A two-group posttest design with a second posttest eight months later was used. Lesson content for both the CAI and lecture groups was the nursing research problem. The CAI group used an interactive tutorial written in BASIC. The lecture group was presented the same content using transparencies. There were no significant differences in knowledge, retention, or attitudes between the CAI and lecture group. Attitudes toward CAI were positive. CAI is as effective as lecture for learning knowledge and retention.