Learner concerns and teaching strategies for video-conferencing

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Distance Learning Technologies
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• Interactive video-conferencing is increasingly used in higher education.
• Understanding its impact on student learning experiences is crucial.
• Registered Nurse (RN) students pursuing baccalaureate degrees face unique distance learning challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the influences of interactive video-conferencing technology on the learning experiences of RN students.
• To identify factors that positively and negatively affect learning in a distance education setting.
• To understand how students perceive the effectiveness of interactive video-conferencing in their baccalaureate nursing program.

Main Methods:

• Phenomenological study design.
• Data collected through open-ended questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups.
• Thematic analysis used to refine research questions and confirm findings.

Main Results:

• Key themes influencing learning included social connection, organizational strategies, negative impacts, and personal factors.
• Students identified specific teaching strategies beneficial for distance learning.
• Learner experiences were shaped by both technological and personal elements.

Conclusions:

• University nursing programs can optimize learning by leveraging interactive video-conferencing effectively.
• Implementing teaching strategies tailored to the technology is essential.
• Increasing student interaction and engagement are vital for successful distance nursing education.