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

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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.|ret||ret||tab|

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.|ret||ret||tab|

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.|ret||ret||tab|

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.|ret||ret||tab|

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.|ret||ret||tab|

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

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

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

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.|ret||ret||tab|

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

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.|ret||ret||tab|

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.|ret||ret||tab|

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