Nursing Students'' Perceptions of Two-Way Interactive Video: An Explanation of Nursing Students'' Perceptions through the use of Social Cognitive Theory

by Jamie Blevins

The serious shortage of qualified nurses and nursing faculty has led many nursing programs to adopt and increase the use of distance educational technology. Distance learning courses allow institutions to increase enrollment, thereby potentially increasing the number of future nurses. However, technology will not automatically help to counter the current nursing and nursing faculty shortages. It must be used effectively. As the use of technology increases, nursing programs must continually evaluate the educational experiences of both students and faculty and seek ways to improve delivery of instruction. Bandura''s (1986) Social Cognitive Theory may help in these endeavors. This book will apply Social Cognitive Theory to understanding nursing students'' perceptions of learning in one specific distance learning context as these perceptions were influenced by the learning environment, the instructors, the facilitators, and support personnel. In doing so, this book will explore ways to potentially increase the quality and effectiveness of the nursing students'' learning environment.

136 pages, Paperback

Published March 31, 2008

About the author

About the Author

Jamie Blevins is a very humble and accomplished individual. Her credentials include having earned four degrees. She holds her R.N., B.S.N., M.S., and Ed.D. Complementing and supporting her educational credentials, she has also brought significant clinical and educational expertise to healthcare and academia.

Jamie has been a nurse for 28 years; 61⁄2 years as a full-time clinician and 161⁄2 of those as a nurse educator. As a clinician, Jamie has worked in Pediatric Intensive Care, Adult Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Adult Rehabilitation, Home Health, and Adult Cardiac Step-Down Nursing. As a nursing educator, Jamie has worked at two public institutions, a Baccalaureate program and an Associate Degree Nursing Program.

Between being a nurse clinician and a nurse educator over the past 28 years, Jamie has continued her education and career by maintaining her skills through continuing education, presenting at and attending conferences and workshops, publishing a book and multiple articles, and significant involvement in multiple volunteer and community service activities and events.

Jamie has not been able to do what she has been able to accomplish in her career without mentioning four amazing men in her life: her husband John, and their three sons, Bo, Will, and Jack.