Themes Subtheme

Technology Online tools and platforms, smartphone

applications, simulation based online strategies

Technology

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread disruption to Nurse Education (Swift et al., 2020).
Research suggests that the shift to online learning was accompanied by hospitals and other clinical
practice sites limiting nursing students’ access to in-person clinical experiences (National Council of State
Boards of Nursing [NCSBN], 2020; National Education Progression in Nursing Collaborative [NEPIN],
2020). Nowadays, we all are staying in our homes due to the lockdown policy implemented by the
government. However, learning should not halt. Different countries worldwide have introduced various
answers during the pandemic to continue the education process - the introduction of distance learning.
These are online learning platforms such as google, TV broadcasts, guidelines, resources, video lectures,
and online channels were introduced (UNESCO, 2020). Various web-based and smartphone-based
applications may be used to create the videos or made in the learning management system (LMS).
Platforms, such as Canvas, have video discussion functionality available directly in the discussion board
forum. Other asynchronous video discussion tools include Flip grid (https: //blog.flipgrid.
com/news/remote learning). Online tools and platforms have been used to support core knowledge and
skills development, ranging from websites and online forums to communication applications. Such
devices are easily accessible for the diverse needs of Learners, and many allow space for real-time
feedback and reflection. Literature reported that some students outlined the advantages of online
schooling to include an increase of available study time, no commute, money saved on parking and gas,
taking care of children and other family members, and the ability to continue their education. Another
benefit of online learning offers opportunities to educate more nursing students across both temporal
and geographical boundaries (Michael Haslam, 2021).

Standards Committee (2016) defined simulation as “an educational strategy in which a particular set of
conditions are created or replicated to resemble authentic situations that are possible in real life.
Simulation-based learning strategies effectively teach higher-level competencies, such as collaboration,
decision-making, prioritization, effective communication, safety, and clinical judgment skills (Kubin et al.,
2020; Lee et al., 2019).Faculty comfort and competence in teaching either face-to-face or online is
essential, noting that mechanism of delivery will need to allow for adjustments in faculty-student
workload, communication strategies between administrators, faculty, and students, and most
importantly, flexibility regarding assignments, assessments, and timelines (Schlesselman, 2020; Taha et
al., 2020). Nurse Educators have been busy creating and curating asynchronous teaching materials such
as podcasts, videos, and discussion boards. Meanwhile, synchronous teaching, such as live ‘webinars,’
observations of Student performance, and summative examinations, continues to be delivered ‘live’ via
Virtual Learning/Course management tools and video-conferencing applications, accessible via desktop
and mobile devices. Incorporating video communication in the virtual classroom may provide additional
opportunities for faculty to connect with students to cultivate a sense of caring and closeness during
remote learning (de Tantillo & Christopher, 2020).
Overcoming Challenges and Anxiety of nurse educators and nursing students

Online learning posed concerns and required adjustments. Students commented both on their learning
environment, as well as their ability to learn adequately online. Some students reported a lack of
reliable internet access at home with limited or no access to libraries, computer labs, or other public
internet access points. There has been an ineffective transfer of courses developed explicitly for face-to-
face instruction to the online environment (Hodges et al., 2020). Students have reported during the
COVID-19 pandemic, experiencing poor mental health due to feelings of isolation (Cao et al., 2020) and
have expressed uncertainties around their progression and assessment (Moawad, 2020). For those
Students with ineffective learning strategies, poor motivation, and reduced communication skills, these
issues may be amplified by home-based learning.