Use of iPod^TM technology in medical-surgical nursing courses: Effect on grades

Advances in computer technology, such as the portable and affordable iPodTM, allow students to view lectures anywhere at any time. iPodsTM are of special interest for nurse educators who strive to meet demands posed by a critical nursing shortage. A mixed-methods pilot study was conducted to assess whether iPodTM could be an effective teaching tool for medical-surgical nursing lectures. In a randomized study with 35 participants, together with eight students having their own iPodsTM, grades of students given pre-recorded class lectures on iPodsTM were compared with grades of those who attended lectures without iPodsTM. Learning styles, amount and use of students devoted to iPodTM lectures were considered as well as grades. Most results were not significant, but there was some evidence that the control groups who attended classroom lectures received better grades than iPodTM users, and individuals who used iPodTM more frequently before the final exam received lower grades. These somewhat surprising results suggest the need for further research in the use of this technology as a resource for nursing education delivery.