Project Proposal for Nursing 1 2 3:

Teaching Nursing Through the Internet Throughout Tanzania

***** Good news....this project may be located within a brand new university being developed as we write this website. We will still need your support. The University will offer a 3 year basic program, a baccalaureate program and the Nursing 123 program. Stay tuned for more information!!!

 ·         What will this project do?

o       This project will make available advanced nursing knowledge throughout all of Tanzania.

·         Is this kind of education needed in Tanzania?

o       Yes! Tanzania is a large country and has a great need for nurses.  Many of the nursing programs are classified as Grade A and Grade B Nursing equivalent to LPN or Diploma Schools in the US. Poor facilities make nursing education difficult.  Large areas of the country have no access to nursing schools.  This program will make Nursing as close as the closest internet café.

·         Does Tanzania have any experience in this type of education?

o       The closest kind of education like this is the “Open University” which offers law and social science degrees.

·         Does Tanzania have internet sites throughout the country?

o       Almost all towns have internet and more and more villages are getting internet.

·         How will it make nursing available throughout Tanzania?

o       The headquarters in Dar es Salaam will produce nursing courses to be offered through the internet. The program “Blackboard” will be utilized in the design of the courses.

o       Students will go to the website and select the course they want, sign up for it and be admitted to the course site.

·         But how can students learn the laboratory skills part of nursing?

o       Students will receive a “skills kit” and learn the basic skills through video and computer guidance. The Blackboard program has the ability for the headquarters to answer questions, have discussion groups, show videos at the student’s convenience, and offer multiple multimedia experiences.

o       Qualified preceptors at preapproved hospitals and satellite sites will be available to students after learning theory through the internet. They will supervise clinical practice.

o       Satellite test centers will be located in the major towns for testing.

o       Theory testing can be done via Blackboard with instant feedback for the student.

·         Can this be used for short courses and continuing education?

o       It is perfect for short courses and continuing education. It provides the information and discussion without the cost of room, board and travel…a major obstacle in providing advanced nursing education.  The only cost will be the course cost.

·         Can it be utilized for baccalaureate, masters and certificate courses?

o       Yes. Certificate and short courses for continuing education will be the first thrust of the program while the baccalaureate program is set up and approved.

·         Could this be used for medical seminars also?

o       Of course, but the initial phases will be exclusively nursing.

·         Does Tanzania have the infrastructure and expertise to set up the system?

o       Yes…there are many internet systems via phone and satellite. The basic server at headquarters will be hooked up to a satellite system that will be accessible over the entire country.

o       Experts are already available and interested in working with us to provide reliable service.

·         But is there anyone who has experience in this kind of nursing education in Tanzania.

o       Yes, one person has had 6 years of experience teaching nursing in a computer university with the Blackboard Program. The other person has had years of teaching and setting up nursing programs in Tanzania and knows the people and regulations for approval.

o       The Blackboard program is easy to learn and has a long history of success throughout the world. In addition, Kenyatta University in Kenya is using this program successfully.

·         Could Universities in the United States partner with this program?

o       We need and want their help and advice.  This program is ambitious for a developing country. Equipment, advice and partnerships are needed and desired.

o       So far 6 universities have indicated a desire to participate in delivering nursing education throughout Tanzania.