Distance education for nurses—2

Abstract

University of New England, Armidale W'BILE VISITING Armidale I took the opportunity to spend a day with Kevin Smith, the Director of External Studies, and since residential schools were in progress I was able to meet some of the students. Although the University of New England does not offer programmes specifically for nurses there are many registered nurses undertaking courses by external study there. The Department of External Studies was first established in 1955 and offered two courses, Bachelor of Arts and Diploma in Education. There are now 6500 external students taking 300 courses leading to 20 awards at both undergraduate and post-graduate level, and there have been 3500 graduates. From the vast amount of information I was able to glean from Kevin Smith, I have abstracted that which seemed relevant to the possibility of developing external study programmes for registered nurses in this country. There appear to be certain essential elements in a successful external programme. At New England the same staff teach and assess both internal and external students who take the same. courses and the same examinations at the same time, though obviously not in the same place. Residential schools, if prescribed, are compulsory. Close relationship's between staff and students are maintained through residential and weekend schools, academic tours, and by visits to students by members of both the academic and external studies department; there is also careful monitoring of the progress of individual students. Administration and teaching functions are separate. The teaching staff determine academic policy and practice; the Department of External Studies services and facilitates the operation.