Ans.
To meet the current critical need for qualified nurses, many
colleges have initiated online programs, primarily aimed towards
registered nurse (RN) to BS students. Despite the growing number of
online nursing programs, there is little research on instructor
views of online learning. This study used interviews to investigate
nursing instructor experiences in online learning. Results revealed
instructor concerns with identifying the most effective assessment
methods to judge students' ability to apply their lessons in
real-world settings. 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.
Results also indicated that providing support and ensuring that the
faculty have sufficient time to develop effective courses, with
adequate assessment for the students, is necessary to ensure the
quality of online nursing education.
How To Overcome 5 Common Problems Faced By Students In
eLearning
eLearning, being the latest wave of education, is already having
a fair show despite posing challenges for both instructors and
students. While instructors need to put in intensive work and time
to design the instruction, students need to equip themselves with
technical proficiency to decode the course material. There are 5
common problems faced by students in eLearning classes and which
they need to be solved through proper initiatives for the students’
future benefits:
- Adaptability Struggle.
Switching from traditional classroom and face to face instructor
training to computer-based training in a virtual classroom makes
the learning experience entirely different for students. Their
resistance to change doesn’t allow them to adapt to the online
learning environment, whereas it takes time for them to get
accustomed to Course Management Systems (CMS) and the methods of
computer-based education. While passive listening and notes taking
are expected in a traditional classroom, online discussions or
creating a web page demand springing into action. Students with a
“traditional” mindset find it difficult to adapt; however, they
need to accept the new learning circumstances with an open mind and
heart. Understanding the benefits of eLearning and even discussing
them with their peers may change this mindset and better prepare
students for online classes.
- Technical Issues.
Many students are not provided with the high bandwidth or the
strong internet connection that online courses require, and thus
fail to catch up with their virtual classmates: Their weak monitors
make it hard to follow the Course Management System and their
learning experience becomes problematic. Moreover, most of them
live off campus and find it difficult to keep in tune with the
technical requirements of the chosen course. Some of them don’t
even own computers and seek help in Learning Resource Centers for
technical assistance. The only solution to this problem is knowing
exactly what kind of technological support they will need for a
certain course before enrolling in it, as well as properly
equipping themselves for the course’s successful completion.
- Computer Literacy.
Although students are generally tech savvy, and thus able to manage
computers well, lack of computer literacy is a major issue among
students today. Many of them cannot operate basic programs such as
Microsoft Word and PowerPoint and therefore are not able to handle
their files. Furthermore, many students find fixing basic computer
problems troublesome, as they have no knowledge in this area.
However, technological proficiency is a must for following online
courses, as it enables students to manage their assignments and
courseware in an organized manner without struggling. Basic courses
in computer literacy enhance students’ knowledge in the field;
having a fundamental knowledge of computer hardware would help them
participate in online classes without interruptions and
hindrances.
- Time Management.
Time management is a difficult task for eLearners, as online
courses require a lot of time and intensive work. Furthermore,
whereas it is mostly adults who prefer web-based learning programs
for their place and time flexibility, they rarely have the time to
take the courses due to their various everyday commitments. A
regular schedule planner would be a significant help to these
learners, as they could even set reminders for their courses and
assignments.
- Self-Motivation.
Self-motivation is an eLearning essential requirement; however,
many online learners lack it, much to their surprise. After
enrolling in distance learning courses, many learners fall behind
and nurture the idea of giving up, as difficulties in handling a
technological medium also seem insurmountable. Students need to
find the motivation to follow the new educational trends and also
properly equip themselves for future challenges in their education
and careers. Only a positive attitude will help them overcome the
challenges in eLearning; though this is hard to practice, students
need to understand that it is necessary in order to reap the
eLearning’s benefits in the future.
eLearning is good news, but at its initial stage it poses
certain threats to students. Attitude change and technological
literacy would help them gain confidence in order to succeed in
their courses with a positive vibe.
Here are their Top Issues for Staff
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...
Improving workplace conditions for nurses improves
healthcare for all.
- Inadequate Staffing. ...
- Mandatory Overtime. ...
- Safety on the Job. ...
- Workplace Violence. ...
- Improving Self-Care.