E-Learning Modules: Promoting Success for Prenursing Students

The nursing shortage and rising attrition rates in nursing schools have serious implications for healthcare. To be successful in nursing courses, students must possess and routinely practice a wide range of self-regulated learning skills. E-learning modules were created to equip prenursing students with evidence-based techniques to facilitate learning. Three cohorts consisting of 163 participants completed the E-learning modules. Principles of self-regulated learning guided the design of the five modules that include videos, reading materials, and a quiz. The modules’ content covers self-assessment, organization, time management, reading and note taking, successful study skills, and test-taking strategies. Content in the first module guides students to reflect on prior learning, academic factors, personal and environmental factors, cognition, and metacognition. The second module focuses on managing oneself through use of organization, stress, and time management techniques. The goal of the third module is for students to engage in deep processing and metacognition while reading. The fourth module concentrates on successful study skills to induce optimal learning. The fifth module relates to test strategies and post-test reflection. The advantages of self-regulated E-learning modules include: (a) students can complete the modules at a convenient pace and schedule; (b) students can study materials again; and (c) faculty can advise students with specific challenges to review appropriate modules. Nurse educators are obligated to not only teach subject matter, but also assist students to become proficient life-long learners. For example, faculty can pose questions to guide reading, assign manageable reading assignments, and model reading sections of the textbook or a case study utilizing a reading framework. Creating self-regulated E-learning modules for prenursing students to address academic skills is only one proactive intervention that can be implemented by nurse educators to improve student retention and success. This poster describes the learning modules, the framework of self-regulated learning, student feedback, and implications for nurse educators.