|
Informing Science + IT Education Conference 2003 Proceedings
| Informing Science + IT Education Conference |
| Pori, Finland June 24-27, 2003 |
| How Prepared are Malaysian Nurses for Online Distance Learning? |
| Zoraini Wati Abas, Nafsiah Shamsuddin, and Phua Kai Lit |
| International Medical University, Malaysia |
| Sedaya International University College, Malaysia |
| International Medical University, Malaysia |
| Malaysia is moving towards a developed country status and it is imperative that the healthcare provided be at a |
| higher standard than it is today. As members of the healthcare team, nurses play an essential role in the provision |
| of healthcare. As such it is timely that nurses’ education be upgraded. As most of them only have a certificate or |
| diploma in nursing, one way to upgrade the nurses is by providing opportuni-ties for a baccalaureate degree. |
| However, due to the shortage of nurses, nurses find it a challenge to en-roll in a full-time on-campus programme. |
| One way to help nurses meet the challenge is by providing an online distance learning programme to Malaysian |
| nurses. And, to ensure the success of the online dis-tance learning programme, it was realized that the nursing |
| students need to be adequately prepared for an online learning environment. How much preparation will be |
| determined, among other things, by their prior experience and skill in using technology as well as by their belief and |
| attitude towards online distance learning. A survey was conducted on a cohort group of students during a face-to- |
| face pre-course orientation, that is, prior to the start of the online program. The findings of the survey are pre- |
| sented and discussed in the paper and implications for the future are highlighted. |
| Keywords: distance learning, online, nursing, perception, orientation |
ISSN
1535-07-03
Unless otherwise indicated, this paper has undergone blind external review by three or more reviewers.
Types of Papers: A Best Paper, Regular Paper, Short Paper, Informal Paper,
Unrefereed Panel Paper
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