New CD-ROMs let nurses study any place, any time
15 August 2002
Kangan Batman TAFE has produced an innovative range of CD-ROMs that allow nurses to undertake post-graduate study without having to attend classes.
Kangan Batman TAFE is one of the main providers of the 14 Post Basic Modules of the Certificate IV in Health (Nursing). Previously these modules have been delivered using printed learning materials, but that is set to change with the progressive introduction of self-contained CD-ROM learning resources for each module.
Currently two post-registration nursing short courses can be completed by CD-ROM: Acute Nursing and Mental Health.
Any Division 1 or 2 nurse with access to a computer, either at home or work (or through facilities such as Kangan Batman TAFE's Flexible Learning Centres) can complete these modules on CD-ROM, at a time and place that suits them.
The CD-ROMs are proving popular with rural nurses wishing to upgrade their qualifications without having to travel to attend classes, with CDs being purchased from as far afield as country Queensland and Western Australia.
The $300 cost of each CD-ROM is all inclusive, covering enrolment fees, access to relevant websites, tutorial support, final assessment and the cost of the course certificate.
Feedback from nurses has shown they enjoy the learning style of the CD-ROM, which has been designed to be fun and easy-to-use, even for those with limited computer skills.
The CD-ROMs are totally self-contained and include features such as sound, video, fun educational games, and links to Internet resources and online discussion boards for contact with other students.
The CD-ROM also stores the student's work, which can then be e-mailed to their Kangan Batman TAFE tutor for feedback and assessment. Students can also contact their tutor for support at any stage by telephone, fax or e-mail.
Not only can each module be studied from anywhere in the world, but the sections of the modules can also be undertaken in any order, rather than sequentially.
"The major advantage of flexible learning - of which these CD-ROMs are an example - is that people can easily fit study into the rest of their lives, which is especially important for nurses who can be rostered on at any time of the day or night", explains Kangan Batman nurse educator Christine Crofton.
Further CDs are currently being developed for the remaining 12 Certificate IV post-graduate modules, which include community, maternity, psychiatric, perioperative and rehabilitation nursing. It is also not necessary to attend classes for these modules, as they can be studied using self-paced printed materials and by e-mailing the assessments to the teacher.
All modules take 78 hours to complete, comprising 40 hours of theoretical work and 38 hours of practical work experience.
For further information telephone Christine Crofton on (03) 9254 3328 or our Customer Service Centre on (03) 9279 2555.
