e-Learning in Nursing Education – Challenges and Opportunities Peter Kokol a , Helena Blažun b , Dušanka Mičetić-Turk a , Patricia A. Abbott b a University of Maribor, University College of Nursing Studies, Žitna ulica 15, Slovenia b Johns Hopkins University, School of Nursing, USA Abstract Quick changes on the field of informational communication technologies forces educational and other institutions to think about different ways of teaching and learning in both formal and informal environments. It addition it is well known that due to fast advancement of science and technology the knowledge gained in schools is getting out-of-date rapidly, so life long learning is becoming an essential alternative. As a consequence we are facing a rapid development and use of new educational approaches such as e-learning, simulations, virtual reality, etc. They brought a revolution to learning and instruction. But in general the empirical results of e-learning studies are somewhat disappointing. They cannot prove the superiority of e-learning processes over traditional learning in general, neither in specific areas like nursing. In our international study we proved that e-Learning can have many benefits and that it can enhance learning experience in nursing education, but it has to be provided in correct manner. Keywords: e-Learning, Nursing Care, Information Communication Technology (ICT) Introduction Quick changes on the field of informational communication technologies forces educational and other institutions to think about different ways of teaching and learning in both formal and informal environments. It addition it is well known that our knowledge gained in school is getting out-of-date so life long learning is becoming a necessity. As a consequence in the last decade we are facing a rapid development and use of new educational approaches such as e-learning, simulations, virtual reality etc. They brought a revolution to learning and instruction. But in general the empirical results of e-learning studies are somewhat disappointing. They cannot prove the superiority of e-learning processes over traditional learning in general nor in specific areas like nursing. In our international study we proved that e-Learning can have many benefits and that it can enhance learning experience, but it has to be provided in correct manner. Our empirical results identified obstacles, but interestingly the obstacles differs in different countries. Our empirical results identified obstacles, but interestingly the obstacles differs in different countries, but not wisthanding there are also many similarities. In the next section we briefly present the use of eLearning paradigm in nursing education. Then we introduce the study performed in the scope of the DENED project, present the results and conclude the paper with some challenges for future research. Distant education and e-Learning Distance education is known for almost 200 years [1]. The term distance education as used in educational literature covers the various forms of study at all levels which are not under the continuous, immediate supervision of tutors present with their students in lecture rooms or on the same premises but which, nevertheless, benefit from the planning, guidance and teaching of a supporting organization [2]. It can be defined as teaching and learning where students are not required to be physically present at a specific location during the term as the process of providing instructions when students and instructors are separated by physical distance, time or both. Frequently regular mail was used to send written material, videos, audiotapes, and CD-ROMs to the student and to turn in the exercises. Recently e-mail and the Web are used for this manner. Initiation of life long learning in educational process lead [3] to new forms education and alternative educational programs. More and more educational institutions follow new forms of education, which are frequently supported by ICT [4]. With rapid development of informational communication technology and “fast life style”, the distant education is more and more and attractive and interesting form of education, mainly because of globalization as consequence of global developments [5]. Distance education and e-Learning in nursing care Study of nursing care demands a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students and professors can use Internet for browsing and searching literature, web, etc. More advanced forms include e- mail, videoconferences, virtual classrooms, discussion groups, forums, digital learning materials, virtual laboratories, simulations and similar. Because nursing care is very specific [6,7] verbal interpretations and conversations must be combined with computer supported education. Internet and WWW offer options Consumer-Centered Computer-Supported Care for Healthy People H.-A. Park et al. (Eds.) IOS Press, 2006 © 2006 The authors and IOS Press. All rights reserved. 387