Effects of E-learning Midwifery Preparedness Program on Students’ Decision-making skills and Achievement of Comprehensive Examinations
Main Article Content
Abstract
This quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate the effects of e-learning midwifery preparedness program on nursing students’ decision-making skills and achievement of comprehensive examinations. The subjects were undergraduate nursing students at the Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University. The samples were purposively selected of 64 fourth-year nursing students in the academic year 2010 enrolled the course of practicum in obstetrics and randomly divided into the control (n = 32) and intervention group (n = 32) using even and odd numbers. The intervention group used the e-learning midwifery preparedness program as a 10 weeks supplement course for self-directed learning through electronic media while the control group didn’t use that program. An educator acted as facilitator in the program. Data were collected using a clinical decision-making skills created by researcher and proved by 3 experts. In addition, an outcome of comprehensive examination among nursing organized by the Faculty of Nursing was gathered. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, and Chi-square test.
The result of this study revealed that the intervention group had significantly higher clinical decision-making after learning through the program than prior (p < 0.001). Comparison of clinical decision-making and comprehensive examination between the two groups showed no statistically significant difference at .05 level. According to the finding of the study, the e-learning midwifery preparedness program are able to use as a supplement course in order to develop clinical decision-making among nursing students prior to work in a profession. However, the effective of e-learning on learning outcomes were not showed the difference between the control and intervention group. Further study should provide appropriate strategy to increase students’ collaboration in the process of learning through e-learning environment.