Learning engagement; nursing students' experiences in an online environment at a university

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to understand students' engagement with learning in an online environment at a university in Namibia. Design: A qualitative descriptive design was applied. Methods: Data were collected using in-depth telephonic interviews among 12 purposively selected nursing students. Data were analysed thematically. Results: While the students did practice engagement, their understanding of learning engagement was not clear. The students considered online learning to be a safe space for engagement that enhanced active participation. They also noted that it forced them to reflect on their pre-existing knowledge before learning new information and ultimately enhanced their understanding of the learning material. The findings of this research suggest that online platforms and apps can support nursing students' learning engagement, in particular behavioural engagement, but they are less conducive to cognitive and affective engagement.