The Effect of Web-Based and Traditional Instructions on Nurses' Knowledge about AIDS

Introduction:. Knowing about web-based education outcomes compared to traditional method can help instructors to use more effective methods for future continuing education Programs. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of web-based and traditional teaching methods on nurses' knowledge about Bird Flu. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study with two groups, pretest post-test design, 140 nurses were randomly selected and by blocking random allocation method divided equally into two groups of web-based and face-to-face. In face-to-face group, the intervention consisted of one day program about Bird Flu delivered by lecture. The other group received web-based education. In both groups, samples’ knowledge about bird flue was measured by a questionnaire before and after intervention.Pre –post test scores were compared within and between groups by Independent and paired T-test. Results: Based on the findings, both web-based and face-to-face teaching methods were effective on promotion of nurses’ knowledge(P<0.001), and had the same effect (p=0.221). Conclusion:Web-based teaching seems to be as effective as traditional teaching in continuing education of nurses. With regard to numerous advantages of web-based method, it is recommended to be used in future programs.