The effect of virtual and traditional methods on students learning and competency – based skills

Introduction: Accompanied by the rapid development of computer multimedia and network technology, the internet based teaching and learning has developed and the traditional classrooms has changed to virtual network learning environments. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of two method of virtual and traditional methods on competency-based skills of first-year nursing students. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study 86 first-year baccalaureate nursing students from Jahrom Medical University that have begun their fundamental skills training were selected. This course concludes theory and practical skills. The students were divided into two equal groups. For the first group, traditional method and for the second group virtual methods of teaching were performed. The students' performance skills were evaluated by means of theory exam as well as OSCE test. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics by SPSS software. Results: Results showed that there was significant difference between mean score of students in two method of teaching (P<0.0001). The students score in experimental group was higher than control group (P<0.001). Also, there was no significant difference between two groups in performance skills by OSCE test. Both groups were similar in their ability to correctly demonstrate the skills. Conclusion: In attention to active learning and interactive teaching in virtual learning method, we suggest using virtual education for teaching contents in medical education. As the new technology is not a solution for promoting clinical skills, combination of two methods enhance student competency-based skills and trainees satisfaction as well as skill acquisition level.