St. John's offers Web-enhanced classes for nursing students

St. John's School of Nursing of Southwest Baptist University has announced the addition of a Web-enhanced bachelor of science program to be implemented this fall.

The program offers a combination of Web-based instruction and classroom activity "so students have face-to-face contact with faculty," said Paula Garner, department of nursing chair for St. John's School of Nursing.

Classes meet once a month so the students do not feel like they are just talking to a machine. Along with classroom contact there will be assigned times for virtual classroom situations where a teacher is present to interact with students. Students can type questions to be answered for the benefit of the whole group.

All Web-enhanced classes carry the same credits as regular courses, Garner said. Some tests are taken online and some assessments are done during the monthly class sessions.

Using Web-enhanced programs for student nurses is a nationwide trend, according to Garner. Other regions in Missouri have implemented similar programs, but this is the first program of its kind in this area, she said.

The new program provides flexible scheduling for busy nursing students who are trying to balance career and classes.

Enrollees have the option to access the Web-based material day or night so they can fit their studies into their work schedules.

"It creates a little less stress in their lives, meeting their professional and educational responsibilities," Garner said.

Garner said since most people have home computers, this gives students a chance to work on computer skills they will use throughout their nursing careers.

For students who have less computer experience, orientation is provided at the beginning of the program to familiarize them with the program.

Approximately 120 students, mostly from Springfield, are involved in the SBU nursing program. Some students, however, travel from as far away as West Plains. The new program will be a great benefit for commuting students.

St. John's School of Nursing and SBU consider this program an opportunity to evaluate learning via the Internet. Other Web-based programs will be offered in associate degree programs through SBU, Garner said.