The impact of digital learning in the context of nursing pedagogy

To examine the impact of digital technologies on nursing education, focusing on student digital literacy, generational learning preferences and pedagogical adaptations.

Digital technologies are transforming nursing education, particularly for Generation Z learners who favour interactive, media-rich and flexible learning environments. These preferences challenge traditional teaching methods and require integration of digital tools to support engagement, skill development and individualised learning.

A narrative review METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in British Nursing Index (BNI), CINAHL, PubMed and Google Scholar for English-language articles published between 2014-2024. Keywords included "digital learning," "nursing pedagogy," "digital technology," and "digital literacy."

Eight articles meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for thematic analysis. Three overarching themes emerged: (1) Digital literacy, highlighting variability in students' and educators' digital skills and confidence; (2) Generational characteristics and learner needs, demonstrating Generation Z preferences for technology-enhanced, self-paced and interactive learning; (3) Evolving pedagogies in nursing education, showing integration of Learning Management Systems, virtual simulations and blended learning to enhance engagement and accessibility.

Digital technologies are reshaping nursing education by enabling interactive and flexible learning. Nurse educators must address gaps in digital literacy, align teaching strategies with Generation Z learning preferences and integrate blended and immersive approaches to foster engagement, competency development and inclusive learning environments.