Opportunities and Challenges of E-learning for Nursing Students at the Beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Iran: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background: Given the limited presence of students in universities and the closure of educational centers, including nursing schools, during the COVID-19 outbreak, there has been a significant shift toward e-learning. However, there is a lack of research in this area. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the experiences of undergraduate nursing students with e-learning during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. Materials and Methods: This qualitative-descriptive study focused on 12 undergraduate nursing students from the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The participants were selected using purposive sampling. In-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect the data. The collected data were analyzed using MAXQDA10 and conventional content analysis. The study was conducted between May and September 2020. Results: Analysis of the findings led to the emergence of 11 subcategories and two main categories: E-Learning opportunities and Challenges of E-Learning, providing a comprehensive description of the experiences reported by the participants. Conclusions: Unforeseen crises, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, can significantly affect the quality of education by disrupting face-to-face learning. To mitigate such disruptions, it is crucial to plan and establish infrastructure that supports alternative modes of education, such as e-learning. Additionally, providing training to students and educators on effectively utilizing digital platforms and producing electronic content can help ensure a smoother transition during crises.