Catherine E. Cragg

Distance learning through computer conferences.

Computer conferencing offers a new delivery mode for distance education for nurses. This qualitative study examined the experiences of post-RN students taking a nursing course by computer conference. Initially, the students found the technology frustrating, but once they established contact, they appreciated participating in discussions and scheduling their own learning time. They formed a cohesive, friendly group through the computer system. Comparisons are made among computer conferencing and other distance delivery modes for nurses.

Ten universities, one program: successful collaboration to educate nurse practitioners.

For more than 7 years, 10 schools of nursing in Ontario have collaborated to prepare primary healthcare nurse practitioners. The authors discuss the establishment of the consortium and its benefits and drawbacks.

A toolbox of technical supports for nurses new to Web learning.

This article describes a number of strategies that have been used by an online Nurse Practitioner program to help learners and faculty become comfortable and proficient in the technical skills necessary for an Internet-based program. Various components of the “toolbox” of help strategies and how they have evolved over time are described. Results of a project to systematically develop and evaluate the toolbox are discussed.

Routes to acceptance: implementing a wellness focused curriculum.

How do faculty and students react to the integration of the concept of wellness into curricula? At first, the two groups respond very differently. In time, they accept the concept of wellness and use it in their nursing practice. The implementation of wellness in one community college program has strengthened the belief that nursing has an independent function in health care.