Conclusion:

1. BNS-online Experiences from the first year of our blended learning Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNS) Degree programme in Dublin City University (DCU). Mary Rose Sweeney, Melissa Corbally, Sandra O Neill, Mary Kelly, Mary Kirwan, Susan Hourican, Anne Matthews, Aoife Moran, Anthony Staines, Anne Kirwan. Background: The School of Nursing (SON) at DCU offered a new blended learning Bachelor of Nursing Studies (BNS) programme in the academic year 2010-201, combining online learning methods, with Moodle Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and face-to-face tutorials. Aim: The aim of this paper is to document the experiences of the academic team making the transition from a face-to-face classroom delivered programme to the new blended learning format. Method: Eight staff involved in the programme were asked to describe their experiences of developing the new programme via two focus groups. • Main results: • Apprehension about the audio/visual methods • Very tight timeline • Existing heavy work load • Student engagement poor on-line • Is plagiarism being facilitated ? • Face-to-face tutorials emerged as very important to students and staff • Core text books were not available electronically so hard copies were used Discussion: In the area of nursing elearning is a new and emerging field, which will require huge cultural shifts for educators and students alike. Our results show that students and staff really valued the face-to-face components. We should not become too pure and insist on everything being elearned, otherwise we might be “throwing the baby out with the bath water”. Conclusion: Lead investigator: maryrose.sweeney@dcu.ie