Open AccessDevelopment and Evaluation of Web-Based Animated Pedagogical AgentsforFacilitating Critical Thinking in Nursing
Author(s) -
Diane J. Morey
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
nursing education perspectives
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.604
H-Index - 48
eISSN - 1943-4685
pISSN - 1536-5026
DOI - 10.5480/1536-5026-33.2.116
Subject(s) - rubric , critical thinking , think aloud protocol , psychology , significant difference , cognition , mathematics education , computer science , medicine , human–computer interaction , usability , neuroscience
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Web-based animated pedagogical agents on critical thinking among nursing students. A pedagogical agent or virtual character provides a possible innovative tool for critical thinking through active engagement of students by asking questions and providing feedback about a series of nursing case studies. This mixed methods experimental study used a pretest, posttest design with a control group. ANCOVA demonstrated no significant difference between the groups on the Critical Thinking Process Test. Pre- and post-think-alouds were analyzed using a rating tool and rubric for the presence of eight cognitive processes, level of critical thinking, and for accuracy of nursing diagnosis, conclusions, and evaluation. Chi-square analyses for each group revealed a significant difference for improvement of the critical thinking level and correct conclusions from pre-think-aloud to post-think-aloud, but only the pedagogical agent group had a significant result for appropriate evaluations.