How Prepared are Malaysian Nurses for Online Distance Learning?

Abstract

Malaysia is moving towards a developed country status and it is imperative that the healthcare provided be at a higher standard than it is today. As members of the healthcare team, nurses play an essential role in the provision of healthcare. As such it is timely that nurses’ education be upgraded. As most of them only have a certificate or diploma in nursing, one way to upgrade the nurses is by providing opportunities for a baccalaureate degree. However, due to the shortage of nurses, nurses find it a challenge to enroll in a full-time on-campus programme. One way to help nurses meet the challenge is by providing an online distance learning programme to Malaysian nurses. And, to ensure the success of the online distance learning programme, it was realized that the nursing students need to be adequately prepared for an online learning environment. How much preparation will be determined, among other things, by their prior experience and skill in using technology as well as by their belief and attitude towards online distance learning. A survey was conducted on a cohort group of students during a face-to-face precourse orientation, that is, prior to the start of the online program. The findings of the survey are presented and discussed in the paper and implications for the future are highlighted.