Perceptions of digital technology in nursing education: A qualitative study

The aim of this study was to explore how digital technologies can facilitate interactive learning in a 15-credit theory module on basic nursing.

Digital platforms are in widespread use in nursing education; however, the rapid technological advancement provides new opportunities to support teaching and learning. This indicates the need to explore how educational digital technologies can be used as an integral part of learning activities to promote quality and relevance in nursing education. This study was carried out at the Department of Nursing Science at a university in Norway. The university has been using a digital platform for many years and has recently adopted a new platform named Canvas in 2018.

An explorative qualitative research design using focus group interviews.

Three focus group interviews were conducted with students and teachers involved in a 15-credit module in basic nursing as part of the first year of the bachelor program. A total of 10 participants were recruited for this study and data were analysed using systematic text condensation.

The analysis resulted in three themes related to experiences with existing learning activities and general perceptions of digital technologies: 'pedagogical methodology affects learning and social fellowship'; 'need for varied, high-quality forms of learning' and 'need for structure and predictability'.

This study revealed several educational needs and emphasised the importance of digital competence involving professional knowledge and skills to facilitate the educational use of digital technologies.