WebO.N.E. an International Cancer Education Program
University of Central Florida
Purpose: WebO.N.E. is an Internet-based, interactive, cancer nursing education program designed for an international audience. Its purpose is to foster critical thinking and clinical-decision making through an interactive forum discussion and other course elements. Its secondary purpose is to increase connectedness among cancer specialists in the virtual learning community and to serve as a medium for improved understanding of cancer care throughout the world. The purpose of this presentation is to: a) discuss the development of WebO.N.E. b) describe the pilot test WebO.N.E. based on responses of English-speaking nurses in the Philippines and Singapore; and c) describe the challenges in using Web-based learning technologies from a global perspective.
Design: The design is descriptive. Phase I is the development and evaluation of WebO.N.E. educational content, and the design of WebO.N.E. homepage. Phase II is the pilot-testing and refinement of WebO.N.E.
Sample/Setting: Phase I sample consisted of nurses and health care professionals from Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the United States who provided a global review of the learning modules. Phase II pilot testing included a sample of 30 nurses from the Philippines and Singapore who practice in cancer treatment centers, public hospitals, hospice, and universities.
Methods: Phase I program development occurred in four steps: First, the Project Director (PD) developed an outline of four modules. Module 1 "Instructions for Online Access" is an overview of web-based learning. Module 2 "Patient Management" provides an overview of seven selected cancer sites, chemotherapy, and safe handling of cytotoxics. Module 3 "Data Management/Clinical Trials" reviews the nurse's role in the conduct of clinical trials. Module 4 "Practice Management" describes the oncology nurse’s role in outpatient care. Second, nurses reviewed the outline, suggested additional content, and shared the unique perspective cancer care in their own country. Third, five advanced practice nurses with expertise in cancer care and web-based learning wrote the learning modules, and a panel of nurses reviewed the modules for clarity. Finally, a Web-course Designer and the PD selected the design, color, layout, and elements of the Web page. The learning modules were coded and uploaded using WebCT educational program. Phase II describes the pilot testing of WebO.N.E. content, access, and usefulness among nurses in the Philippines and Singapore.
Findings: WebO.N.E. was the first online educational program for the sample of nurses from the Philippines and Singapore. The nurses had basic knowledge about the Internet, but did not have ready access to computers outside of their work environment. Initially, they were reluctant to participate in the asynchronous discussions. As they gained familiarity with the program and the discussions among other nurses, they quickly began to use the information and increase their connectedness with one another. Their overall response to the program was very enthusiastic and supportive and they were able to complete the course modules and quizzes. Additional environmental and resources needed to support a Web-based program will also be discussed in the presentation. Based on the pilot study, WebO.N.E. has been translated into Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, and Chinese.
Conclusion: WebO.N.E. is an innovative oncology nurse education program having global input and application. Pilot testing showed that Internet skills, critical thinking skills, and clinical decision-making were enhanced.
Implications: Web-based learning technologies can be adapted for use with a global nursing audience. Creation of such websites requires a unique partnership among nursing educators, practicing nurses globally, and web course designers and developers. There are many challenges in developing and using cancer education programs globally.
BENEFIT TO PARTICIPANTS ATTENDING SESSION:
This project is of benefit because it demonstrates how a program was developed and implemented for an international audience. It demonstrates the challenges in developing online courses. And, it shows the importance of collaboration among the faculty, web designers, and practitioners.Karen H. Dow
School of Nursing
University of Central Florida
PO Box 162210
Orlando, FL. 32816 USA
Phone: 407-823-5234
Fax: 407-823-5675
Email: kdow@mail.ucf.edu
Website: http://reach.ucf.edu/~WebONE