Blended learning: Exploring nurse educators' perspectives

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Educational Technology
• Blended Learning Strategies

Background:

• Blended learning is a growing trend transitioning from traditional to e-learning.
• Nurse educators need to adapt teaching practices for online platforms.
• Limited research exists on nurse educators' perspectives on blended learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and describe nurse educators' perspectives on blended learning.
• To investigate blended learning as a teaching method at a Namibian university's Faculty of Health Sciences.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design.
• Data collected from 15 lecturers using semi-structured interviews.
• Convenience sampling method employed.

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged: understanding, benefits, challenges, and recommendations for blended learning.
• Identified strengths and shortcomings in nurse educators' use of blended learning.
• Insights into the practical application of blended learning in nursing education.

Conclusions:

• Findings reveal both advantages and disadvantages in nurse educators' adoption of blended learning.
• Results can inform strategies to enhance nurse educators' skills in designing effective blended learning environments.
• Supports the development of targeted interventions for improved blended learning implementation.