Student Satisfaction with Online Courses - Research Paper Example

The effects and influences of rapid technological developments permeate all facets of human interactions in contemporary society. It continues to redefine and reshape how society addresses issues and concerns relevant to its contemporary condition. In this regard, the landscape of education is undergoing a radical transformation as new technologies emerge (Skiba, Connors, and Jeffries, 2008). In effect, one of the most obvious changes happening is the democratization of learning (Dolence and Norris, 1995).

Information technology enables people to access knowledge and information available anytime, while at the same time, allowing for learning services to be provided by non-traditional learning institutions (Skiba et al., 2008). As such, developments in information technology create new paradigms in the content of knowledge, knowledge management, and knowledge acquisition (Norris, 1995). This context creates an impetus for education in general and nursing education, in particular, to adapt to the demands of technological changes as education continues its evolution and become globalised (Skiba, et al.

, 2008; Suarez-Orozco, and Qin-Hilliard, 2004).Moreover, the demand for the integration of information technology in nursing education is not only driven by technological developments, but it is also motivated by the increasing demand for nurses to have competence in information technology as it is necessary in the efficient discharge and  management of care services to the patients (Mitchell et al., 2007). However, online/e-learning is not only about placing the modules and lectures on the web or conducting lectures through the web (Murray, 2003).

It requires the consideration of many factors such as information technology experience both of the teacher and students, socio-economic status, learning styles, teaching styles, skills and confidence in using information technology, technical support and other similar concerns (Cragg, et al., 2003; Mitchell, et al., 2007; Smith, 2002). In this regard, e-learning is a complex evolution in nursing education.