Effects of Distance Education Models on Senior Nursing Students' Readiness for E-learning, Self-Directed Learning and Clinical Practice: Mixed Method Design

Abstract

<b>Aim: </b>COVID-19 pandemic process has had negative effects on education. During the pandemic, the continuation of education was carried out online. The present study aimed to examine the effects of distance education models on the readiness of senior nursing students for e-learning, self-directed learning, and clinical practice.<br /> <b>Material and methods:</b> This study was conducted using a mixed-method design with 58 senior nursing students in the 2020-2021 academic fall semester. Descriptive Characteristics Form, University Students' E-learning Readiness Scale, Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale, Clinical Practice Readiness Assessment Form and focus group interviews were used.<br /> <b>Results:</b> Distance education models increased the readiness of senior nursing students for e-learning and self-directed learning. In the interviews, some of the students defined online education as good preparation for the clinic, while others stated that they could not feel like a nurse in a real clinical setting.<br /> <b>Conclusions: </b>Distance education as well as in face-to-face nursing education, the importance of using interactive education methods in extraordinary situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic and earthquakes has emerged.<br /> <b>Keywords: </b>COVID-19; distance education; nursing students; e-learning.<b> </b>