Computer -assisted remediation for at -risk nursing student

Factors affecting a nursing shortage crisis in the United States include an increase in attrition from nursing programs. Research shows that a lack of adequate study skills and test-taking skills is a major factor in the rising attrition rates for nursing students, with not enough resources available to provide remediation to all who need it. The problem presented suggested the need for an inexpensive, effective remediation program related to study skills and test-taking strategies for nursing students.;The purpose of this research study was to develop a Web-based interactive computer-assisted remediation software program that could be effective in increasing program success of at-risk nursing students. A three-phase design experiment was used to address the research objectives of (a) developing an interactive remediation program in a Web-based format for use in assisting at-risk nursing students in improving study and test-taking skills, (b) establishing content validity of the program through alpha testing by faculty with content expertise in teaching and remediation with nursing students and (c) determining student perceptions of helpfulness and ease of use of the tool through a beta test process.;The program developed provides assessment and remediation of study skills and test-taking skills specifically aimed at the needs of nursing students in a Web-based format. Analyses of surveys evaluating the program provided positive results. Evaluation by faculty content experts indicated that the program provides valid assessment and remediation content in a user-friendly manner. Analysis of evaluation survey results from student pilot testers in 2 separate nursing programs (N = 36) found that the program could be a useful tool to help most nursing students strengthen their study skills and test-taking skills. If the computer-assisted remediation program can provide nursing students with resources to increase their potential for success in the nursing program, it would be a cost effective alternative method for assisting nursing students and increasing the number of nursing graduates entering the health care work force.