Nursing students' perspectives on remote learning during the pandemic

By Student Voice

Introduction

This blog post will look into the varied experiences and viewpoints of nursing students concerning their remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. By exploring the hurdles they encountered as well as the advantages they valued, this post aims to provide useful insights to higher education staff on ways to potentially enhance remote educational practices in nursing training. The feedback from nursing students, gathered through student surveys and text analysis, reflects a broad range of personal experiences and preferences. Understanding their voice is key in shaping future educational strategies that address both the importance and challenges of remote learning. Importantly, this approach helps in acknowledging the adjustments and accommodations that staff and institutions have had to quickly adopt, ensuring a smooth transition from traditional classroom settings to digital platforms. These insights are not just reflections but stepping stones for ongoing improvements in the intricate area of nursing education.

Positive Feedback on Remote Learning

Despite various challenges, some aspects of remote learning were praised by nursing students. These include the adaptability of universities to shift educational paradigms quickly, the flexibility of learning schedules which accommodated unique personal circumstances, and the convenience of attending classes from home which for some reduced the burden of travel and childcare. Student surveys reveal that many appreciated the ability to review recorded lectures at their own pace, which is particularly beneficial for adult nursing students who might be balancing studies with caregiving or work commitments. This modality has also enabled students to manage their time more effectively, allowing for a better balance between personal life and studies. Furthermore, the opportunities for embracing self-directed learning have encouraged students to develop autonomous study habits, essential for their future nursing careers. The digital tools and platforms, though initially a hurdle, have become valuable resources, providing an array of accessible material and important interactive sessions. Staff have worked diligently to ensure that these tools meet educational needs, striving to foster an environment where students feel supported and connected, despite the physical distance.

Suggestions for Enhancing Remote Learning

In the realm of remote learning, several suggestions have been proposed by nursing students to enhance their educational experience. Firstly, adopting a hybrid model has been highlighted as a strong strategy. By combining face-to-face sessions with remote lectures, students can benefit from direct interaction while still enjoying the flexibility of online learning. This approach would particularly support practical skills, crucial in nursing training.

Furthermore, there is a need for upgraded infrastructure and better training for teaching staff to manage online platforms effectively. Enhanced technical support will minimise disruptions during lessons and help both students and staff focus on learning and teaching, respectively.

Interactive elements within lectures, such as live polls or question and answer sessions, can boost student engagement and mimic the interactive nature of a physical classroom. Improving participation in online forums and discussions is also important, offering students crucial opportunities to engage with peers and instructors, fostering a more connected learning community. Lastly, providing more flexible scheduling options can significantly benefit adult students, who often juggle educational responsibilities with personal commitments. Tailoring timetables to suit diverse needs can help ease the stress of balancing multiple responsibilities, making it feasible for more students to pursue their education without compromise.

Impact of Remote Learning on Practical Skills Development

A key concern for adult nursing students in the shift to remote learning has been the perceived limit on developing practical clinical skills. Traditionally, nursing education heavily relies on hands-on practice in hospital settings or simulation labs. With remote learning, the opportunities for these vital experiences were largely reduced. Engaging effectively in practical procedures from a distance presents a unique set of challenges. However, institutions have started to explore innovative solutions to bridge this gap. Virtual reality (VR) simulations and online interactive labs have been introduced to try and mimic real-life scenarios. These technologies allow students to practice procedures in a controlled, virtual environment, enhancing their learning process. Staff are actively involved in creating detailed online tutorials and interactive sessions focusing on critical skills. Also, there has been an increase in the use of video demonstrations and remote supervision by experienced practitioners to guide students through complex procedures. While these methods do not entirely replace the value of physical practice, they provide important alternatives that can enhance skill acquisition during periods when traditional methods are not feasible.

Student Adaptability and Resilience

Adapting to online learning was an important challenge faced by adult nursing students. Yet, many of these students have shown impressive adaptability and resilience in this new learning environment. The transition to remote education required students to be flexible and develop strong self-management skills. As nursing students began this process, they discovered different ways to maintain a study routine and keep their motivation levels high in a very quiet home learning environment.

Feedback from students through surveys and text analysis showed that many used a variety of tactics to adapt to online learning. These include setting up dedicated study spaces at home, following strict schedules, and forming online study groups with fellow students. Through these measures, students were not only able to keep up with their coursework but also built resilience that would stand them in good stead throughout their nursing careers.

Importantly, the encouragement and support from academic staff played an important role in helping students navigate this process. Clear communication, responsive feedback, and understanding educators helped to ease the challenge of shifting to a fully online training platform. The adaptability displayed by both nursing students and staff reflects a shared commitment to maintaining high standards of nursing education, no matter the circumstances.

Role of Instructors in Remote Learning

In the area of remote learning, the role of instructors remains very important. With nursing students starting their education journeys online, staff need to be adept in both technology and pedagogy to effectively support learners. This dual capability enables them to furnish students with a firm understanding of nursing concepts while also making learning accessible and engaging. It is also important for staff to keep a regular and open line of communication. This ensures that students are not only aware of their learning objectives but also feel supported through their educational process. Text analysis of feedback and assignments can give instructors insights into how well students are grasping the material, allowing them to tailor their teaching methods to better meet students' needs. As remote learning often requires a greater degree of self-learning, instructors also need to equip nursing students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By providing clear online resources and structured guidance, instructors can stimulate these skills, essential for nursing professionals. All these efforts by the staff help keep the academic standards high and ensures that the learning process remains smooth and beneficial for all nursing students.

Conclusion and Future Implications

In summarising the diverse experiences of nursing students with remote learning during the pandemic, we can see a mixed landscape of challenges and opportunities. The insights gleaned point towards an ongoing need for adaptation and integration of direct student feedback into the educational model. The potential for long-term shifts towards hybrid forms of learning suggests a future where flexibility and resilience continue to be key attributes in nursing education.

Staff and institutions must remain responsive to the evolving needs and preferences of nursing students. For instance, balancing technology with personalised interaction and maintaining the quality of practical skills training through innovative approaches remain key areas of focus. Virtual simulations and interactive platforms, which have received some positive feedback, could be further developed to enhance the practical aspects of nursing training.

Looking ahead, the experience of remote learning could influence not just crisis management in education but also routine learning processes, encouraging a more student-centred approach in curriculum design. As we move forward, fostering a supportive and connected learning environment will remain essential for nurturing the next generation of nursing professionals. By embracing both the lessons from recent experiences and the possibilities of new educational technologies, nursing education can continue to adapt and thrive in a changing world.

Nursing students' perspectives on remote learning during the pandemic

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