A challenge for nursing education.

Abstract

Computer technology has the potential to help nursing programs to establish conditions that allow for academic success of special needs students without compromising the caliber of instruction or academic standards. As the capabilities of computers have increased in the last decade, a variety of exciting new tools have been created that have the potential to enhance the success of students with special needs. Effective instructional methods must be developed and implemented to make use of the power provided by these tools. Limited research is available in the nursing and education literature to support use of computer adaptations for students with special needs. There needs to be initiation of research based study of the tools and proposed adaptations. Educators, administrators, and researchers need to collaborate in this effort to transform the potential of technology into reality.