by

R. Marjorie Drury
Assistant Professor
Trinity Western University
drury@twu.ca

The leadership of the nursing program at Grant MacEwan Community College recognized the need to facilitate students¹ learning with computer-assisted programs and interactive videodisk software. In a special four-month project, one of the nurse educators committed to the use of computers in nursing education was hired as a consultant and asked to write a proposal for a computer learning lab. The Grant MacEwan Nursing Program is a Collaborative Baccalaureate Degree Program partner with the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

The purpose of this article is to describe the steps taken in developing the learning lab proposal. The assessment process, as well as the considerations of the project, are presented. Interim strategies for sustaining interest in computerization and developing student and faculty awareness are outlined. To encourage widespread availability of computer-assisted instruction, interactive videodisk software, CD ROM programs, and Internet connections, a portable multimedia cart was designed as a first unit for the learning lab.

This article will be of interest to nurse educators wanting to promote teaching methods that involve computer technology. It will also be of interest to those involved in the development of computer lab facilities.

Key Words: computer assisted instruction, nursing education, computer learning lab, technology, teaching strategies