| Learning Objective #1: Describe at least two significant advantages of an online learning environment for nurses | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Recognize at least three learner characteristics that are essential to succeed in an online learning environment |
Online learning offers flexibility, ease of access to information, and is more cost-effective by reducing time away from work, thus allowing nurses to focus on patient care activities. Nurses will have the advantage and opportunity to access information promptly, to increase knowledge and competency, as well as obtain continuing education credits for approved online learning activities.
Perioperative nurses, of a large teaching hospital, completed surveys to assess their perception to online learning. Perioperative learning needs, learning characteristics, personal learning style (based on the Paragon Learning Style Inventory), self-efficacy of online learning (based on the Online Technologies Self-Efficacy Scale), and computer competence were assessed.
Primary perioperative learning needs consisted of instrumentation, patient safety, implants, and patient positioning. 89.5% of the respondents were suited for online learning. An overwhelming 47.3% of the respondents revealed introverted, sensing, thinking, and judging (ISTJ) personalities, indicating that these learners have the capacity to succeed at online learning. Only 47.4% of the respondents were confident with online learning activities. 84.2% of the respondents indicated that they have adequate computer skills for online courses.
The study would be more conclusive by including a target audience of perioperative nurses within a larger geographic area. Upon generalized concurrence with online learning, a pilot perioperative online learning environment can be developed and implemented to assess effectiveness of the program. A comprehensive perioperative online learning environment will provide perioperative nurses the opportunity to easily access information to increase knowledge, competency, and explore evidence based practices, thus contributing to optimized patient outcomes.