Abstract
Purpose of the research was to describe registered nurses' (RNs) (n = 53) thoughts on the blended learning format in a ‘specialist nursing programme in cancer care’. The study was conducted in autumn 2007 and 2008. A content analysis of answers to open-ended questions in a web-based questionnaire and a focus group interview were carried out. The analysis revealed that the RNs appreciated blended learning. The web lectures facilitated learning and gave RNs access to the education at any time. However, according to the RNs, knowledge is gained through interaction between RNs and teachers, and this aspect needed to be improved. The RNs also thought that the content of the seminars on campus should focus on evidence-based nursing knowledge and practical skills, not just taught as stable facts and procedures. The result from the present study could help to improve the design and content of advanced nursing courses using a blended learning format.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Wyatt D (2007) How do participants of a post registration oncology nursing course perceive that the course influences their practice?—A descriptive survey. Eur J Oncol Nurs 11(2):168–178. doi:10.1016/j.ejon.2006.10.006
Mallow GE, Gilje F (1999) Technology-based nursing education: overview and call for further dialogue. J Nurs Educ 38(6):248–251
Zimmerman LM, Barnason S, Pozehl B (1999) Distance education programs for advanced practice nurses: questions to ask. AACN Clin Issues 10(4):508–514
Novotny J, Tami W (2006) An overview of distance education and web-based courses. In: Novotny J, Davis H t (eds) Distance education in nursing. Springer, New York, pp 1–11
Campbell M, Gibson W, Hall A, Richards D, Callery P (2008) Online vs. face-to-face discussion in a web-based research methods course for postgraduate nursing students: a quasi-experimental study. Int J Nurs Stud 45(5):750–759. doi:10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2006.12.011
Rossett A (2002) The ASTD e-learning handbook. McGraw-Hill, New York
Häggström E, Hofsten A, Wadensten B (2009) Nurses' opionions about a web-based distance course in a specialist education programme for the care of older people: a questionnaire study. Int J Older People Nursing 4(3):177–184
Ally M (2004) Foundations of educational theory for online learning. In T. Anderson, and F. Elloumi (ed) Theory and practice of online learning, [electronic resource]. Athabasca University, Athabasca, Alta
Sit JW, Chung JW, Chow MC, Wong TK (2005) Experiences of online learning: students' perspective. Nurse Educ Today 25(2):140–147. doi:10.1016/j.nedt.2004.11.004
Lewis PA, Price S (2007) Distance education and the integration of E-learning in a graduate program. J Contin Educ Nurs 38(3):139–143
Berke WJ, Wiseman TL (2003) The e-learning answer. Nurse Manag Suppl 34(10):26–29
Atack L (2003) Becoming a web-based learner: registered nurses' experiences. J Adv Nurs 44(3):289–297
Sung YH, Kwon IG, Ryu E (2008) Blended learning on medication administration for new nurses: integration of e-learning and face-to-face instruction in the classroom. Nurse Educ Today 28(8):943–952. doi:10.1016/j.nedt.2008.05.007
Eriksson S (2000) CODEX- rules and guidelines for reseach. Electronic Source, The Swedish Research Council and The Center for Reseach Etics & Bioethics, Uppsala University, Uppsala
Morgan DL (1998) The focus group guidebook. SAGE, cop, Thousand Oaks
Malterud K (1998) Kvalitativa metoder i medicinsk forskning. Trans. I. & Strang Almqvist, P. Lund: Studentlitteratur
Condie R, Livingstone K (2007) Blending online learning with traditional approches: changing practice. Br J Educ Technol 38:337–348
Wakefield AB, Carlisle C, Hall AG, Attree MJ (2008) The expectations and experiences of blended learning approaches to patient safety education. Nurse Educ Pract 8(1):54–61. doi:10.1016/j.nepr.2007.04.007
Reneland-Forsman L (2009) A changing experience—communication and meaning-making in web-based teacher training. Monograph. Växjö University, Växjö
Moule P (2006) E-learning for healthcare students: developing the communities of practice framework. J Adv Nurs 54(3):370–380. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2648.2006.03813.x
Chen SW, Stocker J, Wang RH, Chung YC, Chen MF (2009) Evaluation of self-regulatory online learning in a blended course for post-registration nursing students in Taiwan. Nurse Educ Today 29(7):704–709. doi:10.1016/j.nedt.2009.03.002
Hall WA (2009) Whither nursing education? Possibilities, panaceas, and problems. Nurse Educ Today 29(3):268–275. doi:10.1016/j.nedt.2008.09.005
Acknowledgments
The study was supported by grants from the Faculty of Medicine, Uppsala University. The authors also wish to express their gratitude to the RNs who participated in the two courses and answered the questions.
Conflicts of Interest
None.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Arving, C., Wadensten, B. & Johansson, B. Registered Nurses' Thoughts on Blended Learning in a Postgraduate Course in Cancer care—Content Analyses of Web Surveys and a Focus Group Interview. J Canc Educ 29, 278–283 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-013-0594-6
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-013-0594-6