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

Shot of two businesswomen working together on a computer in an office with their colleagues in the background
Research

Return on Investment: Industry Leadership on Upskilling and Reskilling their Workforce

As technology changes the nature of work, Canadian companies must create a culture of continuous learning to ensure employees have the skills they need.
two students working on a technical project
Research

Best Practices for Advancing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Manufacturing

While research underscores the challenges in the manufacturing sector, considerable gaps exist in our understanding of the representation and barriers women and other equity-deserving groups face. This report draws upon Statistics Canada data, surveys, industry reports and publicly available resources to provide an overview of the current state and strategic challenges, and their intersection with EDI issues.
Two workers moving a large cardboard box each on a dolly
Research

COVID-19 and logistics: Changes and challenges in demand, business practices, and workforce management

This study aims to understand how the pandemic has altered the demand for supply chain and logistics services in Canada and how businesses within the industry have adapted to pandemic-related health and safety protocols.
View all Projects