The Effectiveness of Web-Enhanced Self-Directed Learning in Promoting Information Literacy of Nursing Students in Taiwan

Abstract

Background and Purpose: It has become imperative for health professionals to have information literacy, including database searching skills, to enable them to practise contemporary quality patient care, and developing information literacy requires computer literacy and self-directed learning (SDL). More than the half of the current nursing workforce in Taiwan graduate from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, but the effectiveness of integrating e-learning to promote the information literacy and SDL of students in the ADN program is unclear. This study investigated whether a researcher-developed web-enhanced education intervention guided by Knowles’ Adult Learning Theory (KALT) would improve Taiwanese ADN students’ online searching knowledge, skills, self-efficacy, and self-directed learning. The 10-week intervention comprised a self-paced online learning package, an online forum, a face-to-face tutorial, and an optional weekly drop-in session. Method: A mixed methods intervention design was used with focus groups, following pre and post-test questionnaires. A total of 142 ADN students were recruited and allocated to the experimental group (n = 69), or the control group which simply received face-to-face instruction (n = 73) using cluster randomisation. The learning outcomes were measured using an online searching knowledge test (OSKT) and online searching skills test (OSST) developed by the researcher, the Online Searching Skills Self-efficacy Inventory (OSSI), and the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale for Nursing Education (SDLRSNE). The level of significance was set with an α of .05. Four semi-structured questions were used to guide the focus group discussions in Chinese. Comments made in the focus groups were recorded and fully transcribed, then analysed using free-form coding with translation into English. Participants’ responses were thematically analysed guided by the five research questions. Triangulation was achieved with the convergence of findings from the two separate data sources.