BSN Programs

Before the advent of personal computers (PCs), undertaking research studies in any discipline, was an extremely time-consuming and challenging task. Mainframe computers, if any, were used for data analysis. Typewriters were used to present finished documents. Everything else, was done by hand. With the development of personal computers with large memory storage, and user friendly software, the research process has become far more manageable for researchers in all fields of study. Both quantitative and qualitative studies are facilitated with various computer applications and programs.

Creating a visually appealing site that is rich in content is the key to a useful and well visited webpage. In the beginning, the task may seem daunting, but after a few hours of working with HTML code, most budding web designers gain enthusiasm for the task at hand. One unique quality of the Web, is that as soon as you have created your code and placed it on a valid web server, your creation is “out there” ready for the cyber - community to enjoy. Your website can be designed in a variety of different ways. The use of frames or tables gives a unique look, compared to a site designed to resemble the page of a book or magazine.

For your first project, you are advised to focus on high quality content, accented with a few carefully selected (or created by you) graphics for illustration and accent. Although there now exist programs that code the HTML for you, it is advised to at least master the basic code for a simple web page yourself. Most serious designers shun the use of html editors, preferring to work with the code independently and more creatively. As you progress in ability, you may want to experiment with other web-enhancing applications, such as java scripts, forms and input fields, chat rooms, shockwave animations, multimedia and cleverly designed graphic interfaces.

The World Wide Web is an ideal place for students and practicing nurses as well as educators, researchers and administrators to express their knowledge to help, inspire, and educate people of all ages and levels of computer expertise. Paying attention to readability, grammar, spelling, layout, graphic appeal, and design are just as important for web design, as they are for desk top publishing and patient education material design.

Ends in View

This learning activity is intended to give the learner the opportunity to:

1. Collaborate with their peers in creating an online presentation of Nursing Inquiry concepts, illustrations, musings, and insights.

2. To work independently or with a partner to create a unique section of a class webpage.

3. To practice web page development including design, coding, researching, and linking.

1. EXPLORE: W3C Schools Guide to HTML: https://www.w3schools.com/html/default.asp

2. EXPLORE: online graphics sources at: 55 Free Icon Marketplaces And Websites For Your Graphic Design Needs: https://piktochart.com/blog/free-icon-marketplaces/

3. READ: Yale Style Manual: https://www.webstyleguide.com/

4. EXPLORE: Kaminski, J. Various articles on effective web design (scroll down to lower half of page). https://www.nursing-informatics.com/writings.html

In Practice

1. Create a 3 page web site to share your knowledge and insights about a chosen area of Nursing Inquiry. If you work with a partner, your finished product should be a minimum of six pages.

Find valid information, resources, graphics (or create your own) to use on your page. Write the script, and design the page layout to create an attractive and interesting section for this class project.

Review basic html documentation (see references in “In Preparation”) and type in the code to prepare your document for transfer to the web environment. This should be done by hand, without the aid of an html editor or automatic program.

Use APA format for all sections and reference any materials used as footnotes at the bottom of the screen. Be sure and include your name and the date somewhere on your page.

In Reflection

1. Now that you have created a small webpage, consider how this skill could be used to enhance your education, your practice, your research and your personal expression.

2. Consider creating a personal homepage to reflect your interests, philosophy of life, or other information that you would like to share with people on a global scale.

References

Kaminski, J. Web Design Articles http://www.nursing-informatics.com/writings.html

Mascara, C., Czar, P. & Hebda, T. (1999). Internet resource guide for nurses and health care professionals. Menlo Park, CA: Addison-Wesley.

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