ONLINE WOC Nursing Education Program: Are we making the GRADE?

The inception of online learning in the early 1990’s offered learners and faculty the use of innovation and pedagogy to broadened access to higher education.  Online learning proved to be particularly important to the specialty practice of WOC Nursing because the future of WOC nursing education would utilize these innovations to increased access to content and experienced faculty thereby avoiding the necessity of relocating learners for 4-8 weeks. In 2000, the first online education program that prepared baccalaureate level nurses in WOC nursing education was accredited by the WOCN.  Enrollment grew from 4 learners a semester in 2000 to an average of 60 per semester in 2009.  This is a growth trend in online education experienced across the United States in higher education.

This poster presents a descriptive study of the Outcomes Measurement Plan for this online WOC nursing education program. Outcomes are measured and reporting for teaching and learning utilizing the framework of the 7 principles of best practice in distance education according to Chickering and the National Education Association.  While 9 years of data has now been collected and analyzed, only the past 5 years are presented in this report.  As learners coming to the Program have greater knowledge of technology and computer skills, less time is required to master the learning environment.  Additionally, curriculum changes are ongoing.  Therefore, the past 5 years are most representative of the results of education in this online program.  Results reported focus on passing rates of the WOCN certification exams; the degree of learner satisfaction when interacting with the faculty, other learners and the Program.  Finally, there is a review of evaluations from preceptors and learners related to the value of the clinical practicum, preparedness for the practicum and interactions with the preceptor.