NURSING STUDENTS' PERCEPTION ON DISTANCE LEARNING

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the perceptions of Nursing students from a higher education institution on the use of Distance Education. Method: This is a study which used a qualitative approach and interviewed 12 students from an undergraduate Nursing major at a public institution of higher education. The collected data were organized and analyzed using content analysis. Results: It was found that nursing students already have varied experiences regarding Distance Learning, which allows for the search for knowledge, professional development and updating. They identified benefits of distance education such as scheduling flexibility, cost reduction, travelling freedom and the desire for self-learning. However, they highlighted difficulties related to technical issues, task overload and problems to manage autonomy. The absence of a systematic training process to handle technologies used in distance education was another point raised by the respondents. Conclusion: It was concluded that nursing has found in distance education the possibilities for advances in knowledge, improvement in the search for information, and the development of the profession. However, challenges still must be overcome, such as the need to improve the technology itself, having a process of systematic and continuous training, and the development of autonomy in teaching and learning processes.