An Interface Design Evaluation of Courses in a Nursing Program using an E-learning Framework: A Case Study

An Interface Design Evaluation of Courses in a Nursing Program using an E-learning Framework: A Case Study

Brenda Tyczkowski, Eric Bauman, Susan Gallagher-Lepak, Christine Vandenhouten, Janet Resop Reilly
Copyright: © 2012 |Pages: 20
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-61350-516-8.ch018
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Abstract

Interface design refers to the overall look and feel of an e-learning program by the end user (Hall, as cited in Khan, 2005). Initially designed for corporate use, the World Wide Web as it is now known surfaced in the early 1990s. Individual use grew rapidly in the 1990’s, with “online users doubling or tripling every year” (When Guide, n.d.). Online degree granting educational programs slowly developed. An early fully online RN (Registered Nurse) to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program was the Collaborative Nursing Program (CNP) in Wisconsin. The CNP, now called the “BSN@Home” program, started in 1995, to serve associate degree and diploma prepared nurses throughout the state of Wisconsin desiring a baccalaureate degree in nursing. This statewide program continues to be delivered collaboratively by five University of Wisconsin (UW) nursing programs (UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, and UW-Oshkosh). A critical look at interface design in this program was undertaken with methods and outcomes detailed below.
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Introduction

The BSN@Home program at UW-Green Bay is a unique collaboration that has been highly successful and allows adult learners across the state access to BSN completion and flexibility in taking online courses. Although the curriculum and courses have been revised over the years, the focus has been primarily on the quality and content of individual courses. Review of courses across the curriculum has primarily focused on critical content required to meet professional nursing standards and has not focused on the user perspective. A review of the interface design of the BSN@Home courses has not previously been undertaken. Being an online program, the BSN@HOME faculty is challenged to stay abreast of and integrate the latest in educational technology and health care informatics.

Review and evaluation of the interface design of the BSN@Home program was undertaken in 2010, using the E-Learning Framework (Khan, 2005). A case study of the process is detailed in this chapter.

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