Nurse practitioner preferences for distance education methods related to learning style, course content, and achievement

The relationships among multiple distance delivery methods, preferred learn ing style, content, and achievement was sought for primary care nurse pract itioner students. A researcher-designed questionnaire was completed by 86 ( 71%) participants, while 6 engaged in follow-up interviews. The results of the study included: participants preferred learning by "considering the big picture"; "setting own learning plans"; and "focusing on concrete examples ." Several positive associations were found: learning on own with learning by reading, and setting own learning plans; small group with learning throu gh discussion; large group with learning new things through hearing and wit h having learning plans set by others. The most preferred method was print- based material and the least preferred method was audio tape. The most suit ed method for content included video teleconferencing for counseling, polit ical action, and transcultural issues; and video tape for physical assessme nt. Convenience, self-direction, and timing of learning were more important than delivery method or learning style. Preferred order of learning was re ading, discussing, observing, doing, and reflecting. Recommended considerat ions when designing distance courses include a mix of delivery methods, spe cific content, outcomes, learner characteristics, and state of technology.