Prepare a computer-assisted instruction program that is more than just a white paper.

A computer-assisted learning environment can make employee training more efficient and effective. However, most staff members have not had an opportunity to learn in the newer learning environments. Investing in learning management systems, with pre-loaded educational courses and programs, can lighten the load for the training staff.

A computer-assisted approach takes many of the same preparations as a lecture, but with a twist. When lecturing, the training staff needs to prepare some sort of visual support such as slides or videos/DVDs to augment the information. Handouts can serve as a supplement, and time is often saved at the end for a question and answer session. Depending on the purpose of the lecture, a post-assessment is usually provided, and the session ends with participants completing an evaluation so that a certificate can be awarded.

THE COMPUTERIZED APPROACH

Many topics within health care can be successfully provided using an independent learning approach. Whatever the topic, ensure the content is in sync.

Creating or writing the content should be done while identifying the learning objectives. Working on both together ensures the content fits with the intention of the learning material and helps the trainer know what needs to be added or better explained.

The use of additional resources with computer-assisted learning programs can be controversial. Some participants might want to have something to "take away" and refer to later. Others might just find the additional paper resources a waste and never use them. A well-structured computer-assisted learning program will integrate resources within the content of the program, and possibly provide a single sheet resource identifying the highlights of the program.

The latest online educational approaches integrate test questions throughout the learning material to help keep participants on task. If the question is not answered correctly, participants can then go back to the material to search for the correct answer and re-read/study the information to master the important points. If you add questions throughout a learning program, be sure to follow a few simple guidelines of test question construction such as:

• multiple choice questions are the most reliable; and
• no more than four options for a correct answer.

It is often difficult to assess a participant's degree of achieving the learning objectives with the use of true and false or fill-in-the-blank questions. True and false questions encourage participants to "guess" at the right answer. Fill in the blanks leaves too much to chance and guessing. Multiple choice questions might be more time-consuming to construct, but the participants will have a better quality evaluation device to measure their success.

DETERMINE THE SOFTWARE

There are many software applications available today to prepare a slide-type presentation. Use software that allows you to create content that lets the program flow. This can be done by changing headings on the slides or adding phrases with bullet points underneath. Intersperse bullet-pointed sections with full sentences or paragraphs.

Plan for plenty of white space and end one section with the anticipation of what is to follow on upcoming slides. Create excitement and enthusiasm with the content to keep the participant interested.

When the content is completed, capture the intention of the entire program with a summary or conclusion slide. Anticipate questions by creating a few questions with subsequent answers on the following slides. End the program with the final slide(s) being a list of resources and next steps.

Direct the participant to then complete the post-assessment. If this is prepared for use through the computer, direct the participant on how to get to this assessment. If the assessment is a paper and pencil test, direct the participant where to go to obtain this test and what to do once the assessment is completed. The same holds true for the course evaluation.

If a certificate of completion is on the computer, participants will need to know how to complete and print it. If the certificate will be completed and provided later, provide this information as well.

Dawna Martich, RN, MSN, has more than 20 years of experience working in continuing education environments for staff nurses and allied health care personnel. She can be reached via e-mail: .