The use of e-learning program in nursing education

Abstract

Over the past decade, the rapid developments and growth of information and communication technology (ICT) have had a profound influence on nursing education. E-learning has grown tremendously has been integrated into education and training. The aim of this review is to examine the effect of e-learning program in nursing education. Akdeniz University electronic databases center including MEDLINE, CINAHL, Sciencedirect, Cochrane library were searched published studies in English with “e-learning, nursing education, nursing students†key words and 554 articles were reached by the search results. By the analysis, published 2011-2016, the original six manuscripts have been sampled. A cross-over design study examined the effect of lecture and e-learning methods were compared, no significant difference was found between two methods. In another study, the effect of using e-learning versus lecture of nursing students was examined. Students were indicated to be pleased with the e-learning program. Another study evaluated the effectiveness of an e-learning intervention on pain management for nursing students, it was found to be useful. In another study, experiences of e-learning in a midwifery training package and student's views were evaluated, the students generally welcomed to e-learning however they suggested face-to-face learning. Another study tested the effectiveness of an e-learning program to increase pediatric medication management among students who take pediatric nursing courses, e-learning program is an effective learning method than lecture program. In another study, the effects of e-learning, lectures  and role playing on learning, retention and satisfaction of nursing students were evaluated, it was found lectures to be a significantly more effective teaching method than role playing and e-learning. Results of this review showed that students’ satisfaction with e-learning was lower than traditional lecture instruction. However different and well planned e-learning programmes can support the development of nursing students' skills, knowledge and attitudes. 
 
Keywords: E-learning; nursing students; nursing education.