Retaining and assisting nontraditional nursing students in a baccalaureate nursing program utilizing Blackboard & Tegrity technologies.
Historically Black College and University (HBCU) implemented new teaching methodologies that incorporate both technology and face-to-face teaching as a means of assisting and retaining the non-traditional student. Teaching strategies were enhanced through a new instructional delivery method, Tegrity. The course, Introduction to Nursing Process I, was transformed to a hybrid on-line course using Blackboard and Tegrity. Its transformation reflected inherent strengths when faculty used a systematic approach and implemented a strong team effort. A team approach including collaboration on lecture content and shared PowerPoint presentations in all sections of the course facilitated consistency in the course content. A conceptual model, which included a systems approach that encourages student involvement, was actualized throughout the project. This article utilizes a descriptive approach and explains what faculty did to retain and assist the 157 newly admitted non-traditional baccalaureate nursing students using two technological methods.