Knowledge into learning: comparing lecture, e‐learning and self‐study take‐home packet instructional methodologies with nurses

AIM: The aim of this quantitative experimental study was to examine which of three instructional methodologies of traditional lecture, online electronic learning (e‐learning) and self‐study take‐home packets are effective in knowledge acquisition of professional registered nurses. DESIGN: A true experimental design was conducted to contrast the knowledge acquisition of 87 registered nurses randomly selected. METHODS: A 40‐item Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) true/false test was used to measure knowledge acquisition. Based on 0.05 significance level, the ANOVA test revealed that there was no difference in knowledge acquisition by registered nurses based on which of three learning instructional method they were assigned. It can be concluded that while all of these instructional methods were equally effective in knowledge acquisition, these methods may not be equally cost‐ and time‐effective. RESULTS: The study was able to determine that there were no significant differences in knowledge acquisition of nurses between the three instructional methodologies. The study also found that all groups scored at the acceptable level for certification. It can be concluded that all of these instructional methods were equally effective in knowledge acquisition but are not equally cost‐ and time‐effective. Therefore, hospital educators may wish to formulate policies regarding choice of instructional method that take into account the efficient use of nurses’ time and institutional resources.