Keri-Ann Berga1, Elisha Vadnais2, Jody Nelson3, Sharon Johnston3, Karen Buro4, Rui Hu4, Bo Olaiya5. 1. Champlain Maternal Newborn Regional Program (CMNRP), 2305 St. Laurent Blvd Suite 300A, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; MacEwan University, Canada. Electronic address: bergak@macewan.ca. 2. College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta, Canada. 3. MacEwan University, Canada. 4. Department of Mathematics and Statistics, MacEwan University, Canada. 5. Simon Fraser University, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Blended learning, which integrates face-to-face and online instruction, is increasingly being adopted. A gap remains in the literature related to blended learning, self-efficacy, knowledge and perceptions in undergraduate nursing. OBJECTIVES: To investigate outcomes of self-efficacy, knowledge and perceptions related to the implementation of a newly blended course. DESIGN: This was a quasi-experimental pre-post test design. SETTING: This study was conducted at an undergraduate university in Alberta, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 217 second-year undergraduate nursing students participated and 187 participants completed all study components. METHODS: A convenience sampling method was used. Data were collected at the start and end of the semesters. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using R(3.4.3) and R-Studio(1.1.423). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in self-efficacy scores between groups or in the pre-post surveys (p > 0.100) over time. There was no significant difference in knowledge between the blended online and face-to-face groups (p > 0.100). For students in the blended course, perceptions of the online learning environment were positive. CONCLUSION: Blended learning has the potential to foster innovative and flexible learning opportunities. This study supports continued use and evaluation of blended learning as a pedagogical approach.
BACKGROUND: Blended learning, which integrates face-to-face and online instruction, is increasingly being adopted. A gap remains in the literature related to blended learning, self-efficacy, knowledge and perceptions in undergraduate nursing. OBJECTIVES: To investigate outcomes of self-efficacy, knowledge and perceptions related to the implementation of a newly blended course. DESIGN: This was a quasi-experimental pre-post test design. SETTING: This study was conducted at an undergraduate university in Alberta, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 217 second-year undergraduate nursing students participated and 187 participants completed all study components. METHODS: A convenience sampling method was used. Data were collected at the start and end of the semesters. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using R(3.4.3) and R-Studio(1.1.423). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in self-efficacy scores between groups or in the pre-post surveys (p > 0.100) over time. There was no significant difference in knowledge between the blended online and face-to-face groups (p > 0.100). For students in the blended course, perceptions of the online learning environment were positive. CONCLUSION: Blended learning has the potential to foster innovative and flexible learning opportunities. This study supports continued use and evaluation of blended learning as a pedagogical approach.