Awareness of nurses on distance education in Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Distance Education Technology is one of the most effective modes of imparting
education and training for those who cannot afford formal education. This study aims to assess the
awareness regarding distance education technology among graduate level students as an alternative
approach for continuous advance level nursing education in Nepal.

Methods: The study has adopted descriptive cross-sectional design. The populations of this study
were the graduate level nurses who were studying Bachelor of Nursing courses in three different
institutes of Kathmandu valley. A non-probability convenient sampling technique was used to select
the nursing institutes. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was developed to collect data from
94 nursing students to assess their interest and desire regarding distance education. A semi-structured
questionnaire was used to enquire regarding, personal biography of respondent; knowledge on
distance education; use of distance education for continuous education; opinion on distance
education as an effective mode of technology for continuous nursing education etc.

Results: Most of the respondents (81%) had heard about Distance Education Technology, but none
of them had attended any academic course through distance education. Half of the respondents had
some knowledge regarding distance education technology; among them (29.7 %) could figure out
that it is a type of interactive study between learners and facilitators from distance/far area; 38.2%
recognized as an independent study, which is often provided by recognized Open University (13.8%);
which can be performed from their own home (29.7%) as a means of corresponding course (17.02 %).
About (46.8%) knew that major area of instruction is via internet. Surprisingly (94.7 %) of them were
interested to study advance nursing courses through distance education in Nepal and among them
(40.4 %) would like to get higher degree via Distance Education Technology in Health Professions
Education.

Conclusions: It can be inferred that majorities of graduate level nursing students are eager to upgrade
their cognitive and psychomotor competencies for professional development by means of Distance
Education Technology. It could be an alternative means of teaching even for those nurses who are
hard to reach, and serving the mankind at the remote areas.