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

Research

Diabetic foot care and lower limb preservation: Evolving a value-based health care initiative in Ontario

This issue briefing examines the contextual specifics of the diabetes foot care and limb preservation (DFCLP) pathway components, providers, and care settings involved, and the patient populations they serve.
Person in apron, protective mask and gloves working at coffee shop
Research

Participation in skills training: A report from the Survey on Employment and Skills

The latest wave of the Survey on Employment and Skills, conducted in March 2023, revisits the issue of access to skills training. Three years after the onset of the pandemic, it finds that more workers are participating in work-related training to improve their skills, while training is becoming less focused on the management of the pandemic. It also shows that the most common type of training is that which focuses on workplace health and safety. The survey finds that working from home does not appear to have posed a barrier to skills training to date, as those who have switched to working from home are more likely than those who continue to work in their regular workplace to access training to improve their skills.
Research

Social and emotional skills in the workplace: Insights from Canadian employers

This briefing presents findings on recruiting for social and emotional skills based on interviews with human resources professionals as well as analysis of Canadian knowledge-based job postings data.
View all Projects