SONIC: Workbook evaluations from students using web-based resources

Abstract

Problem-based learning (PBL) or enquiry-based learning (EBL) methods are frequently used within UK nursing curricula in order to support students in their learning. At the same time students are increasingly using electronic resources for information to support their learning. Following a successful Fund for the Development of Teaching (FDTL-phase 4) award, the Students Online in Nursing Integrated Curricula (SONIC) project ran from 2002 to 2005. This project developed and evaluated web-based resource-enriched scenarios to support students using PBL or EBL. This collaborative project across four institutions also included another six institutions in the evaluations. To facilitate evaluation a workbook was devised enabling data to be obtained from a total of 241 students from across different branches. Evaluations showed that they welcomed the open access and particular resources such as the animations, the hyperlinks, and the self-assessment quizzes. Whilst the evaluations did not ascertain the impact on students’ learning, they nevertheless demonstrate that the students themselves regarded the resources as supplemental to, rather than substituting other approaches to learning. The development of these resources took place in nursing departments and interest has been demonstrated by a number of other professions nationally and internationally.