Question

Identify two challenges that have accompanied the computerization of the academics, specifically related to your experiences with on-ground versus distance learning. Does the computerization of nursing education present specific challenges that other disciplines may not encounter?

Answer 1

The challenges include individual, instructional and institutional related challenges.

Individual related challenges were found to be lack of sufficient time for study; problems related to the access and use of ICT; financial constraints; lack of support from employers; and occasional obstacles resulting from travelling distance from home to the regional centre; especially during face to face and examinations sessions.

Instructional related challenges were established as ineffective and delayed feedback of students’ assignments and examinations results, lost scripts and unrecorded grades. These instructional related challenges contributed negatively to students’ learning because students would find it difficult to move on to new content.

Institutional related challenges were found as delayed or lack of study materials; lack of students support services in areas of guidance and counseling; and inadequate academic support and administrative services at the regional centre.

answer 2- Online nursing exhibits unique challenges, such as providing nursing students with online authentic learning experiences that relate to real-world nursing situations, which comprise both high-stake medical and interpersonal elements

Authenticity was a major concern to online nursing instructors.

Nursing is fundamentally a human care-giving activity. There is always

the danger that didactic courses, particularly e-learning courses, seem

too theoretical and not closely related, in an authentic way, to real nursing situation