Paper: The Integration of Problem-Based Learning with Web-Based Technology: Does It Improve Critical Thinking and Foster Self-Directed Learning? (19th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice)

Monday, 7 July 2008: 3:35 PM

Chee Lien Poh, RN, BN, MHSE , Department of Nursing, Institute of Mental Health/Woodbridge Hospital, Singapore, Singapore

Learning Objective 1: discuss the educational effects of integrating problem-based learning with web-based technology.

Learning Objective 2: identify directions for future research.

Background. Changes in today's healthcare sector have demand nurses to be educated as critical thinkers, lifelong learners and maintained continuous professional competence (Heller, et al., 2007). Nurses need to participate actively in continuing nursing education in order to meet these demands. Despite of these, traditional barriers are major obstacles that prevent nurses from acquiring such skills (Larsen,et al., 2003). In view of these, the idea of blending problem based learning with web-based technology has been looked upon as new education methodologies to improve critical thinking skills, foster independent lifelong learning and prepare nurses to meet future challenges in their practice.

Aim. This paper seeks to:

- determine the effects of integrating problem-based learning with web-based technology in improving critical thinking and fostering self-directed learning skills among nurses.

- provide direction for future research.

Method. Articles from OVID databases, CINAHL, Google search engines and cross checking of reference lists that examined the effects of integrating problem based learning into web-based technology were systematically reviewed (Cochrane methodology). The quality of each study was rated and data were extracted from these articles using RevMan.

Findings. Preliminary findings obtained through appraising randomized control trials and reviews suggested that there were growing evidences that reported positive educational effects of integrating problem based learning into web-based technology to foster critical thinking and self-directed learning skills. However, most of these studies were conducted in educational institutions. This blended teaching tool remained a neglected subject in many hospitals clinical continuous nursing education programmes.

Conclusion. The integration of problem-based learning with web-based technology has been widely adopted as one of the most powerful educational tools to foster critical thinking and self-directed learning skills in educational institutions. In view of their promising benefits, it is worthy for nurses to explore its effects in greater details to determine its applicability in clinical education.

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