One of the main reasons that we set up the Learning Nurse is to gather research data. We want to learn as much as we can about how to develop effective online tests and e-Learning materials. The more nurses that use this site, the more data and feedback we will have to improve our assessment and learning products.

Here are some of the research questions that we want answered.

Test and Quizzes

1. In what areas of nursing knowledge are tests and quizzes required and/or desired?

2. What is the appropriate length of a quiz in terms of numbers of items?

3. Are there any differences in the types of test items used - true / false, multiple choice, matching, etc.

4. What are the most effective feedback types for test and quiz items?

5. For what different purposes can tests / quizzes be used - self assessment, discovery learning, etc.?

6. What type of data, feedback and reports do nurses want from their tests and quizzes?

7. What type of data, feedback and analyses do test developers want?

8. What is the appropriate use of audio and multimedia in nursing tests and quizzes?

9. Can tests be used to measure more than just nursing knowledge?

10. What are the system software requirements to effectively develop, manage, deliver, analyze and report the results of web-based quizzes?

e-Learning

1. In what content areas of nursing are e-Learning courses required?

2. How long should a nursing e-Learning module be?

3. What design characteristics make for an effective e-Learning module?

4. How do we make e-Learning more interactive and engaging?

5. What is the most effective use of audio narration in the e-Learning modules?

6. What software development tools are best and most efficient for developing rapid e-Learning?

7. How do we best use branching and simulations to create effective learning modules?

8. What role do integrated tests and quizzes play in providing learner feedback and monitoring the effectiveness of the learning module?

9. What orientation and support is required for nurses to effectively use e-Learning?

10. What e-Learning tracking, monitoring and reporting systems are required by the nurses, developers and other stakeholders?

Management of Learning

1. Do nurses want a personalized online tool to keep track of their learning activities?

2. What features do nurses want in a learning / professional development tracking and monitoring tool?

3. What analysis and reporting features do nurses want in their learning management software?

4. What training, tutorials and support are required by nurses to be able to effectively use learning management software?

5. What type of data and reports do managers of nursing continuing education programs need to better plan, monitor and manage their continuing competence initiatives?

Hopefully some of these questions will be answered as a result of the use of this Learning Nurse website. We intend to share our findings through articles and presentations at conferences.