Efficacy of an international exchange via the Internet.

Abstract

Nursing education is lacking in international and computer experiences needed in the current global health care system. No nursing studies were found that use international exchanges together with computer use as a teaching strategy to help students become more culturally competent as well as more knowledgeable in electronic information communication. Knowles' adult learning theory, Kolb's experiential learning theory, and Campinha-Bacote's cultural competence model undergird this pilot study. The study used a one-group, posttest design to measure the effectiveness of an international exchange via the Internet, designed to enhance global awareness and computer use of 25 nursing students enrolled in a rural university in the southeastern United States. Data were obtained on a 24-item Internet Exchange Evaluation Questionnaire at the end of the course. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. International exchange via the Internet was determined to be an effective strategy for heightening international awareness and increasing Internet use. This pilot study suggests fostering international exchanges and improving computer use can be developed further through more sophisticated approaches. A model of improving global health through shared knowledge and professional collaboration will be pursued further.