Perception of Indian Nursing Students about E-learning During COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic led to abrupt disruption in the routine functioning of nursing education, which resulted in a sudden transition from on-campus face-to-face learning to e-learning approaches. The fast advancement of science and technology insists educational institutions think about different ways of teaching and learning in both formal and informal environments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the nursing student's perceptions regarding e-learning. This cross-sectional study was conducted by using non-probability sampling technique. Data from 835 graduate and post-graduate nursing students across the nation were collected through 20 items web-based questionnaire to sort information regarding their perception towards benefits and limitations of e-learning, challenges encountered and required modifications in teaching–learning techniques through online platform. Findings of this study suggested that nursing students find e-learning beneficial in terms of saving time to travel and their ability to communicate. Students perceived this technique limited as far as problem-solving techniques, clinical skills, teamwork etc., are concerned. In this study, 42.4% and 38.9% of students agreed and strongly agreed respectively that utilisation of excessive data and connectivity is one of the encountered challenges while learning through e-platforms. 64.6% of students stated their preference to learn some part of the syllabus through online mode even after pandemic. A well-planned e-learning method can deliver numerous benefits but student retention in virtual/e-learning can be a barrier to the growth of technology depended teaching–learning. The future of nursing education should include a combination of technology-based and traditional learning.