The Effect of Three Computer Conferencing Designs on
Critical Thinking Skills of Nursing Students
Patsy L. Duphorne
College of Nursing
University of New Mexico
Charlotte N. Gunawardena
Organizational Learning and Instructional Technology Program
University of New Mexico

A study of university nursing students tested the effect of computer conference designs and advance organizers on critical thinking skills. Critical thinking, although not significantly different between three conference groups, was evident for groups in all three conference designs. Those conferences designed to facilitate critical inquiry showed higher critical thinking means. No significant differences in critical thinking were found between groups receiving advance organizers and those not receiving advance organizers. Critical thinking dispositions and critical thinking skills of conference participants were positively correlated (r = .26, p < .05).