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Interactive television distance learning and nursing education: A qualitative study about interactive television and nursing education in the state of Washington
DISSERTATION

, University of Southern California, United States

University of Southern California . Awarded

Abstract

Interactive television (ITV) is one of the most widely used modes of distance learning for nursing programs. This qualitative study identified student, faculty and environmental variables that foster or impede the effectiveness of nursing education via ITV. This study also addressed student, faculty and administrative attitudes toward ITV. Data were collected by means of two site observations and semistructured interviews with 30 students taking nursing courses via ITV, four nursing faculty who teach via ITV, and three administrators who manage ITV nursing courses.

The qualitative analysis found (a) there are strengths and weaknesses of ITV nursing education. Strengths include: ITV is interactive, it serves place-bound students and it is financially advantageous. Weaknesses include: ITV is not conducive for visually and hearing impaired, student and instructor interaction is decreased, teaching and designing courses is challenging and ITV technology has glitches. (b) Certain resources promote teaching and learning success via ITV: training, instructional resources, financial compensation for distant site visits, face-to-face advising and a mentor program. (c) There are essential student and instructor skills needed to effectively teach or learn via ITV. Instructor skills include: the ability to adapt to ITV technology, strong facilitation skills and organized. Student skills include: patience and comfort with ITV technology, strong communication skills and adult learner characteristics. (d) ITV fosters learning for on-site students: students are more cognizant asking questions in front of the camera and larger classes facilitate more discussion. (e) ITV inhibits learning for on-site students: distant students can be distracting and technical difficulties slow down the class. (f) ITV fosters learning for off-site students: ITV stimulates productive class discussion outside of the classroom and the small distant cohort class size allows students to bond easily, and (g) ITV inhibits learning for off-site students: ITV decreases motivation to attend and participate in class, it constrains spontaneous discussion and it is difficult for distant students to feel connected to the main campus.

Citation

Osler, C.L. Interactive television distance learning and nursing education: A qualitative study about interactive television and nursing education in the state of Washington. Ph.D. thesis, University of Southern California. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from .

This record was imported from ProQuest on October 23, 2013. [Original Record]

Citation reproduced with permission of ProQuest LLC.

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