Egyptian Students' Experience of E-Maternity Course

Abstract

Background: Egypt is facing a massive shortage in health care providers including nurses.  One of the Egyptian government strategies to overcome this problem is to increase students' intake at the existing nursing faculties as well as building additional nursing faculties in different governorates.  In such situation, there is an urgent need for e-learning, which is a means of alleviating the educational and health problems in Egypt. Responding to the rabid changes in the field of Information Technologies, an increasing interest in E-learning has emerged. In Egypt, little is known about the experience of introducing e learning in nursing education. Aim: This study aims to explore the Egyptian students' experience of E-maternity course. Methods: A Qualitative exploratory descriptive design was utilized using a phenomenological approach during the academic year 2012-2013.  Forty nine male and female students were selected through purposive sampling technique based o the following criteria: was having had a personal computer or laptop with an internet access and was agreed to share their views and experiences of the electronic course. Student feedback and focus group interviews were coded to develop an in-depth narrative data about students' experiences. Findings: E-learning was supported by positive students' feedback and reflections but still some students experienced some difficulties and challenges during their experiences of E-learning.  Indeed, as this study has shown, the main positive emerged themes were: convenience and sense of control, new teaching and learning method and self learning and interaction.  The second emerged theme was challenges and obstacles faced students who taught the online course.  Students' reflections were related to lack of electronic environment such as limited number of computers available, network problems, electronic management system, lack of technical support, and lack of computer skills.  Conclusion: Moving from teaching to learning is one of the policy makers' strategic objectives.  The use of e-learning would help students to acquire the learning outcomes.  E learning experience in nursing education can be improved; if the factors affecting the use of it were addressed in a correct manner. Recommendation: Corporation of e learning in nursing education should be guided both by governmental and institutional support.

Key wards: E-learning, education, student's feedback.