Opportunities and Challenges of E‑learning for Nursing Students at the Beginning of the COVID‑19 Pandemic in Iran: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Abstract

Background: Given the limited presence of students in universities and the closure of educational centers, including nursing schools, during the COVID‑19 outbreak, there has been a significant shift toward e‑learning. However, there is a lack of research in this area. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the experiences of undergraduate nursing students with e‑learning during the COVID‑19 outbreak in 2020. Materials and Methods: This qualitative‑descriptive study focused on 12 undergraduate nursing students from the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The participants were selected using purposive sampling. In‑depth and semi‑structured interviews were conducted to collect the data. The collected data were analyzed using MAXQDA10 and conventional content analysis. The study was conducted between May and September 2020. Results: Analysis of the findings led to the emergence of 11 subcategories and two main categories: E‑Learning opportunities and Challenges of E‑Learning, providing a comprehensive description of the experiences reported by the participants. Conclusions: Unforeseen crises, such as the current COVID‑19 pandemic, can significantly affect the quality of education by disrupting face‑to‑face learning. To mitigate such disruptions, it is crucial to plan and establish infrastructure that supports alternative modes of education, such as e‑learning. Additionally, providing training to students and educators on effectively utilizing digital platforms and producing electronic content can help ensure a smoother transition during crises.