Integration of E-Learning Approaches in a Post-Pandemic Learning Environment – Norwegian Nursing Students’ Recommendations from an Action Research Study

Background The nurse student’s first semester is critical for developing learning strategies and learning environment. The covid-19 pandemic has profoundly led to changes in use of digital platforms, online teaching and e-learning strategies. The present study explored nursing students’ experiences during the pandemic. Based on their experiences we examined how future pedagogical approaches can promote constructive learning environments and facilitate nursing students learning processes in post-pandemic future scenarios. Method We conducted an action research study through several steps from January 2021 through January 2022 in a Bachelor of Nursing program at UiT the Arctic University of Norway. Students from the 2020 enrollment were invited to focus group interviews in March 2021. The interviews were transcribed, and content analyzed, resulting in concrete advice, which were implemented for the next enrollment. Students from the 2021 enrollment were invited to similar focus groups, resulting in refined advice, which here will be presented. Results The pandemic situation resulted in extensive use of digital platforms for the 2020 enrollment. Students from this cohort described shock and disappointment connected to their study start. They expected a new life, meeting new friends and to develop a student identity, but their expectations were broken. The loss of social connections led to isolation and a weak link to the program and to the nursing profession. They recommended integrated training of theoretical and practical skills in small groups combined with short, well-prepared digital lectures equivalent to “flipped classroom” approaches. Implementing their advice, the 2021 enrollment’s experience became different. This group was prepared for extensive use of digital platforms and gave future advise on increased flexibility and balance between the various learning activities. Conclusion Based on the experiences during the pandemic, digital platforms and e-learning strategies used wisely in combination with active and social learning environments can facilitate nursing students learning.