Nursing and midwifery educators teaching postgraduate online courses: a cross-sectional survey

Online learning is not a new phenomenon, and with the increasing availability of digital applications and platforms, many Australian universities are shifting some, if not all learning, online. This mixed methods study explored the experiences and perceived needs of educators teaching postgraduate nursing courses entirely online in any university in Australia within the past five years. This paper reports the quantitative findings. Results revealed several challenges faced by experienced face-to-face teachers who transition to online teaching. Preparing and teaching online was perceived as taking up more time than teaching face-to-face by 89% of participants and perceived as challenging by 76.6% of participants. More than half the participants perceived their role as isolating (55.3%) and reported needing increased support (66.7%) and additional training (65.9%). Specific approaches to address these challenges with the aim of increasing role confidence, job satisfaction and retention of quality online nursing educators are offered.

Teaching and learning in nursing

Teaching and learning in nursing

17

1557-2013

N/A

2

6