The teaching of nursing by computer-assisted learning: maximisation of existing resources in an established school of nursing.

Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) has made limited inroads into the teaching of nursing. While existing CAL materials are often excellent for supporting conventional teaching programs, they cannot in any way be considered as steps towards providing a free-standing CAL course. The recently published Dearing Report on the state of higher education in the UK recommends a major shift towards CAL, proposes Open and Distance Learning (ODL) as a means of effective courseware delivery, and encourages British Higher Education Institutions to enter the competitive global marketplace for ODL students; the Dearing recommendations reflect the trend within both the European Union and North America towards CAL and ODL. This report documents one potential solution to the problem of raising educational standards through capitalising on existing expertise for the development of CAL using hypertext mark-up language, while working within shrinking budgets. It represents a model which is capable of adoption by other Nursing Schools, and is therefore presented with a view to stimulating discussion.