Professor addresses online learning challenges faced by nursing students in Appalachia
Kelly Morton, a clinical assistant professor in the West Virginia University School of Nursing and registered nurse, recently wrote a publication on the online learning challenges for nursing students in Appalachia.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurse educators and nursing students were faced with challenges when transitioning to an online learning format. As some individuals experienced challenges related to their quality of life and well-being, it was unknown what additional challenges nursing students would face in a resource-limited environment.
A study surveyed 154 undergraduate School of Nursing students from three campuses, Beckley, Keyser and Morgantown, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of the study was to assess additional online learning environment challenges students face in Appalachia and provide suggestions for nurse educators to aid in addressing barriers.
“The impromptu online learning affected many nursing students and for many of them, participating in online learning appeared to be difficult as they attempted to navigate the physical and technological barriers present in their home environments,” Morton said.
The survey revealed that loss of internet connection was a significant challenge for students in Appalachia where over a fourth of individuals reported a loss of connection more than four times. Only 72% of Appalachian households have a broadband internet subscription, which is nearly 6% lower than the national average. One-third of the students reported having to leave their place of residence to obtain internet connection, and one-third of the students resided in counties with less than 60% broadband coverage. Financial resources and caregiving responsibilities also were significant factors affecting students learning, explained Morton.
“To help undergraduate nursing students and facilitate teaching practices during the pandemic, it was imperative that I maintained consistency, continued to meet course objectives, kept an open line of communication with the students, and upheld the mission and values of the nursing program,” Morton said. “However, it was equally vital to provide flexibility with technology encounters and unforeseen illnesses.
“Change is inevitable in nursing, and it is imperative that nurses adapt to the best of their ability. Collecting data from strong research may help nurse educators adapt to impromptu changes. Assessing and understanding the unique barriers, challenges and differences each student faces will aid in the nurse educator’s ability to provide an equitable, effective and successful online learning environment.”
-WVU-