Faculty and Student Online Experiences Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Descriptive Study (Part 2)

Abstract

Background: Prior to the declaration of the global pandemic in March 2020, little research was available related to online teaching and learning within a professional practice discipline. Post-secondary institutions pivoted from “learning as usual” to teaching almost completely in the online environment during a very short time frame. A plethora of related publications have since contributed to knowledge development across many educational programs.

Method: This multi-site research study was conducted to gather and examine the perspectives of nursing faculty and students’ lived experiences while teaching and learning online at the beginning of the global pandemic. Design: Descriptive survey study. Setting: Online environment in Eastern Canada. Participants: Nursing students (n = 195) and faculty (n = 38) in three BScN programs in the province during the spring and summer semesters of 2020. Participants were invited via email to complete an online survey (via Opinio) about their lived experience of learning or teaching in the fully online environment. The survey included quantitative and qualitative questions.

Results: The findings from the quantitative aspect of this study have been detailed in Part I, which addressed academic stressors, faculty and student perceptual differences related to student engagement, need for building capacity for online learning, the imperative of technological support and reliable internet connections, and the attempt to maintain a healthy work life balance. The findings from the qualitative aspect of this study are captured in this article. The team conducted thematic analysis and determined a pattern of three primary themes and 10 sub-themes including: learning and teaching (environment, evaluation), relationships (social isolation, virtual relations, communications), and mental health (academic shock, the waiting game, technology, resiliency, work–life balance).

Conclusion: Opportunities and implications for nursing education related to learning and teaching in the online environment are discussed.