Polygon Created with Sketch. Home | Research

On the other side of the screen: Nurse educators’ perspectives on online experiential learning during the pandemic

In this research, we analyze the findings of our interviews with 20 nurse educators from across Canada to explore the challenges, opportunities, and innovations related to experiential learning during the pandemic. How do nurse educators in Canada believe training during the pandemic impacted their students’ workplace readiness? Since online learning tools are here to stay, how can they be leveraged to support nursing students’ education? What social and emotional skills are best developed through in-person learning rather than in virtual classrooms? Read the issue briefing to get our full analysis.

Key insights

Most nurse educators agree that some theory courses and some basic elements of clinical and lab training can be done online. However, virtual training and simulations fall short of preparing nursing students for the job.

Many nurse educators fear that too much time in virtual classrooms and simulations limits the development of nursing students’ social and emotional skills, like resilience, communication, and adaptability.

Despite their shortcomings, online learning tools are likely here to stay, according to most nurse educators. These tools can be especially useful in theory courses and make learning flexible and more accessible for some students.

Related content

Businessman in office with team discussing AI
Research

AI Adoption in SMEs – Framework, Tools and Curated Resourcesexternal link icon

Guided by the AI competency framework, DI has built a tool that is focused on supporting upskilling for basic and mid-level AI competency development. The tool features curated lists of courses for basic AI literacy and mid-level AI skills. The library of curated resources is updated weekly to ensure it keeps apace with the expansion of the AI sector.
Research

Values, knowledge and vision: how Inuit skills can strengthen northern economies

How can Northern economies grow through Inuit skills and community priorities? This primer explores job sectors in Inuit Nunangat where values, traditional knowledge, and strengths…
Two oil men in helmets and work vests standing near oil well pump jack and discussing work
Research

Tech-Driven Skill Shifts in Canada’s Mining and Oil and Gas Industries

In this research, we examine how emerging technologies are reshaping work in the mining and oil and gas industries by tracking changes in technology skills and tool and equipment skills over time.
View all Projects