Interactive Television vs Face to Face Education for BSN Students

Purpose: This paper presents the evaluation of Learning Outcomes, measured as course grades and student perceptions, for the introductory pharmacology class located on the main university campus and at a new distance location. Outcomes will allow faculty and administration to evaluate the quality of the technology experience and consider necessary improvements in future course offerings.

Background: An expansion of enrollment for the traditional BSN program was developed to meet the growing demands of local and regional clinical partners. This expansion included a second location linked to the main campus with an electronic interactive television bridge (ITV). Face to face faculty were present at both locations. This allowed content coverage by one teacher simultaneously at both locations, but enabled active learning in-class activities to be facilitated by the on-location faculty. The lecture could be originated from either campus. 

Methods: Demographic measurements included: location assigned; age range; gender; ethnicity/race; and prior degree status. A non-affiliated research assistant generated a de-identified numeric code in a SPSS data base for each student; this enabled faculty investigators to review results and still ensure student anonymity.  The pre and post-course anonymous surveys recorded perception and satisfaction scores with the use of ITV. Thematic analysis will identify open ended question findings. Test grades on each of four exams, the final exam, and the final course grade with the demographic variables and cohort location will be processed using SPSS software. Pre-course survey themes refined the post course survey questions.

Outcomes: Results will be completed by Feb 2015 for N = 166 students on the main campus and N = 37 at the remote location. Pre-survey results indicated a wide range of opinion concerning the anticipated value and potential issues of learning via an ITV bridge. Final survey measures are scheduled for the first two weeks of December, 2014 and final grades will be completed by the end of December 2014. Any statistically significant differences will be reported and any thematic differences will be used to evaluate earning outcomes and experiences.

Conclusions: This project will evaluate the use of accessible, flexible educational technologies, and whether student demographic groups are negatively impacted by these non-traditional teaching modalities.