The impact of microcomputers on program excellence

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Integration of microcomputer laboratories into established nursing curricula is a key area of focus.
• Assessing the impact of educational technology on student learning and faculty engagement is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document program enhancement following the implementation of a microcomputer laboratory.
• To evaluate faculty and student attitudes toward computer-assisted instruction (CAI).
• To assess the impact of CAI on student anxiety and performance in the RN licensure examination.

Main Methods:

• Data collection involved surveys and analysis of program metrics (e.g., CAI modules, grants, faculty training).
• Attitudinal data and anxiety scores were compared pre- and post-implementation.
• Ninety-two students and 39 faculty members provided data.

Main Results:

• Faculty and student attitudes toward CAI showed positive mean increases, though not statistically significant.
• Senior students demonstrated significantly decreased anxiety scores for the RN licensure examination after utilizing specific CAI software (p < .001).
• Increased institutional visibility was observed, with ongoing data collection for learning style and attitude relationships.

Conclusions:

• The introduction of computers into the nursing curriculum demonstrably enhanced program excellence.
• Computer-assisted instruction positively influenced student anxiety related to standardized testing.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the interplay between learning styles, attitudes, and student outcomes in technology-integrated education.