Nursing Students’ Perspectives and Readiness to Transition to E-Learning During COVID-19 in the UAE: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Jean Mukasa,1 Michael Otim,2 Beatrice Monaco,1 Amina Al Marzouqi,2 Priya Breitener,1 Lalitha Jawahar1 1Fatima College of Health Science, Institute of Technology, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; 2College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesCorrespondence: Michael OtimCollege of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, PO Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesTel +971 6 505 7527Email motim@sharjah.ac.aeIntroduction: The 2020 COVID-19 crisis affected all sectors, including education. This study explored the experiences and challenges faced by tertiary students in the United Arab Emirates when they were suddenly required to transition from traditional classroom learning to E-learning following the outbreak of COVID-19.Methods: This cross-sectional study used mixed methods to collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative data. The participants were Nursing students involved in clinical training.Results: Most students (87%) reported inexperience with studying via E-learning. Challenges encountered included the lack of privacy, Internet connection issues, problems with the teaching platform and communication difficulties. Some students also reported that instructors were slow at responding to their needs. The lack of robust internet coverage was a major overarching issue that affected communication, students’ engagement, preparedness for E-learning, and other challenges.Discussion: This study is significant because it highlights the challenges experienced by Nursing Students during the rapid transition from traditional education to e-learning. It enables the faculty to understand and support students during the time of crisis. Communication with students needs to be streamlined for successful E-learning. Authorities should provide more essential infrastructure such as reliable and stable Internet connectivity to strengthen the E-learning approach.Keywords: E-learning, independent-learning, tertiary, COVID-19, coronavirus, online-learning, nursing student, traditional education