Web learning in post registration nurse education: application and theory. A practical experience of combining humanistic, educational and technological considerations

As healthcare becomes more knowledge intensive, nurses are challenged to effectively manage clinical information and keep abreast of professional knowledge (Procter 2001; Snyder – Halpern et al 2001; Pare & Elam 1998). Rapid proliferation of new knowledge, expanding professional practice expectations and changing practice environments require that nurses become lifelong learners capable of constantly reflecting on and modifying their practice. Nurse education needs to embrace and make use of information technology learning media to help nurses meet these demands. This paper considers how post registration nursing students responded to a technology based learning package directed at enhancing mental health skills and care management. At the completion of the course the participants completed a module evaluation. Representative participants comments are presented throughout this paper to highlight issues raised within the literature on technology based learning.