Exploring the issues and trends in online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic among nursing students at selected colleges

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated an unprecedented shift from conventional classroom learning to digital pedagogy, profoundly influencing nursing education. Understanding nursing students’ perceptions of issues and evolving trends in online teaching is critical for strengthening digital learning ecosystems. This study aimed to explore the issues encountered and the emerging trends perceived by nursing students regarding online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A descriptive analytical study was conducted among 665 nursing students from selected colleges in Chennai using a structured Google Form. Data were collected through a validated Likert-scale questionnaire encompassing demographic factors, issues, and trends in online education. Descriptive statistics summarized the distribution of responses, while chi-square tests assessed associations between variables.

Results: Students reported substantial challenges, including poor home learning environments, reduced concentration, limited peer interaction, technical disruptions, and significant eye strain. Internet instability emerged as the most prominent issue (39.8% strongly agreed). Despite these barriers, students acknowledged positive educational transformations, notably increased flexible learning formats, micro-modules, advanced digital tools, and blended-learning prospects. Significant associations were noted between issues/trends and variables such as age, year of study, course type, gadget used, and internet source.

Conclusions: Findings illustrate a dual landscape wherein nursing students experience critical barriers yet recognize promising technological and pedagogical advancements. Strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing e-pedagogy, and institutionalizing blended learning models are essential for future-ready nursing education.