Facilities, challenges, attitudes, and preferences of nursing students related to e-learning in the Covid-19 pandemic in Iranian context: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background During the Covid-19 pandemic, nursing schools worldwide were forced to deliver nursing courses in ways other than the traditional face-to-face classroom setting. Numerous lessons were learned by nurse educators regarding the use of electronic and online learning strategies. It is necessary to be aware of the factors affecting e-learning and identify the strengths and weaknesses to improve the student learning experience and process in nursing school. Aim of study The present study aimed to identify the abilities, attitudes, challenges, and preferences of nursing students regarding e-learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. Recognition of these factors can help nurse educators make needed modifications to teach more effectively. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 228 undergraduate nursing students participated. The random sampling method used a standard questionnaire that students completed voluntarily. SPSS version 22 was used for data analysis. Results During the Covid-19 pandemic, the majority of nursing students of Zanjan University of Medical Sciences participated in electronic classes at home using mobile phones. Students reported that logistical problems increased by participating in e-classes by their phones due to difficulty typing and frequent internet outages. Online classroom management for instructors was difficult due to students spontaneously leaving the virtual online classroom rather than attending the entire learning session. Despite the technical challenges, the attitudes of students towards the e-learning format were positive. There was a noted correlation between student attitude by gender and educational background. Students preferred that professors used more PowerPoint, showed instructional videos, and had interactive group discussion sessions rather than lecture only. Students objected to attending more than two online classes in one day if the duration lasted more than 60 min and had a rest time of fewer than 30 min between classes. Conclusion Despite the overall positive student satisfaction with e-learning, this method of education is still far from student preferences and requires planning for an effective learning experience that meets their priorities and preferences. Using a hybrid of face-to-face and e-learning approaches together can be a more effective teaching method than either strategy alone.