Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
2006
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Graduate Nursing
Abstract
Computers have rapidly become a necessity in this society's daily life. Due to the many benefits of computers, many academic institutions, including colleges of nursing, have made the transition to the use of computers in the classroom and some schools of nursing are making it mandatory for students to own laptop computers. However, this transition does not come without difficulties for both the students and the faculty members. This pilot study examined nursing faculty attitudes toward the use of laptops in the classroom. The conceptual framework used for this study assesses the relationships between technology used in Web-based courses and the outcomes related to the use of technology. A descriptive design using a survey format was utilized for this study. Questionnaires were sent to 47 participants from one midwestern university who taught a minimum of one course using laptops in the classroom. Study participants were also asked to provide comments regarding their experience with laptops in the classroom. Scores on the questionnaire indicated the study participants had generally favorable attitudes toward laptops in the classroom (M=106.46, SD=18.237). Analysis of study participants' comments resulted in the identification of six categories for discussion: a) positive comments, b) distraction in the classroom, c) technical support, d) questionable outcomes, e) laptops as a teaching tool, and f) other concerns. Results from this study indicate that while nursing faculty have generally favorable attitudes toward laptops in the classroom, these issues must be addressed in order to successfully implement this technology in the classroom.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Laptop computers
Nursing schools -- Faculty -- Attitudes
Nursing -- Computer-assisted instruction
Education, Higher -- Data processing
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
92
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Mennenga, Heidi A., "Nursing Faculty Attitudes Toward the Use of Laptop Computers in the Classroom" (2006). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1286.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/1286