Factors influencing the utilisation of e-learning in post-registration nursing students.

The learning environment extends beyond the classroom and establishing an e-learning culture is seen as essential to the future of nurse education and the facilitation of life long learning. This paper reports on a study that sought to identify the factors that may influence the utilisation of e-learning by nursing, midwifery and health visiting students undertaking post-registration studies. The findings presented draw on quantitative and qualitative data drawn from analysis of a questionnaire exploring experience and perceptions of e-learning. This research finds the perception of e-learning is positively influenced by its flexibility in time management, pace of learning, self direction and widening access to information. Potential barriers relate to the functional capability of students, perceived levels of computer literacy, perceptions of e-learning as time consuming, competing home life elements and the lack of work based support. Student expectations in relation to reasons for choosing this mode of learning and the probability that they may be inadequately supported to make the best use e-learning were inherent in the findings. This raised questions of the potential for inequity in educational delivery with increasing use of e-learning. The implications from this research highlight the challenge for nurse educators in understanding, developing awareness of and identifying strategies to manage these factors.