All Ireland Society for Higher Education

AISHE Conference 2007

30^th & 31^st August 2007

Laying the Foundations: on-line learning support for postgraduate nursing students

Submitting Author

Name:	Anne-Marie Corroon
Email:	annemarie.corroon@tcd.ie
Institution:	Trinity College Dublin

Additional Authors

Nolan, Louise, nolanlc@tcd.ie Adams, Audrey, auadams@tcd.ie Mooney, Mary, mooneyma@tcd.ie

Abstract

In response to feedback from some students on post-graduate nursing courses, a decision was made to provide an on-line learning support package to assist them in the areas of study, computer and writing skills. The students had come from varied educational backgrounds. The support package was made available to the students both prior to and during their post-graduate Diploma course. The use, relevance and value of the learning support package was subsequently evaluated from the students' perspectives.

Study aims:

To prepare students in the areas of study, computer and writing skills with a view to assisting them to prepare academically for the Post-Graduate Diploma course.

To evaluate the effectiveness and relevance of the on-line learning support package that was made available to the post-graduate nursing students.

Data collection/Analysis:

Data were collected using anonymous questionnaires, which were distributed and collected by an independent person. The data were analysed using an excel package.

Key findings:

Of the 73 students enrolled on the course, 18.5% of students availed of the on-line support package prior to starting the course.

In general the package was perceived to be user friendly, with steps that were simple to follow.

Computer and study skills were most frequently accessed and writing skills least frequently used.

Students cited that lack of time was the primary reason for not availing of the course.

Conclusion:

The findings from the evaluation indicated that a minority of students availed of the preparatory on-line support package. While the relevant stakeholders considered that an on-line learning support package would be beneficial for nursing students, it might not necessarily be the case, as students on post-graduate courses have time and resource restrictions among other factors which may impede their ability to avail of these facilities.

Note: This abstract is intended as a poster presentation and not a verbal presentation

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All Ireland Society for Higher Education (AISHE)