Challenges at Technology Adoption in Academic Learning among Students during the COVID-19 Lockdown

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Traditional classrooms with limited flexibility in cell phones and social platforms like Twitter and Facebook are typical for most schools and colleges. The coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown scenario opened up a new way and created a wave in purchasing and using android phones, laptops, high-intensity Wi-Fi, which gave an entirely new look to the educational system. Hence, the present study aims to assess the challenges at technology adaption in academic learning faced by nursing students. Methodology A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive survey design was adopted. A total of 708 nursing students were selected using the universal sampling technique in the study. Prior to the study obtained ethical clearance certificate and authority permission from the institutes where the participants were pursuing their nursing course. Demographic Proforma and challenges of technology adoption rating scale were prepared and sent to nursing students online to determine the challenges of technology adoption for academic learning. A second reminder was sent if the participants failed to submit the online forms within 2 days. Results The majority of the students, 557 (78.6%), were between the age group of 18 to 21 years, 658 (92.9%) were females, and 688 (97.2%) of them were pursuing a BSc nursing course. The majority, 188 (26.6%), of the students were pursuing second year BSc. One-third (257; 36.3%) of the participants were from Karnataka. Most of the students, (677; 95.6%), felt that virtual classes have barriers to learning opportunities. A small proportion of the students felt that technology adoption is an opportunity to learn academics during the lockdown. Mean percentage scores of (394; 55.59%) subjects indicate virtual classes made them face many challenges in the form of barriers to learning academics. Conclusion Adequate training on handling technical issues and advanced technology is the need of the hour in higher education institutions. Online teaching and learning should be made an integral part of teaching-learning methodologies to keep the students abreast of advancing technologies.