Comparing Effectiveness of Online and in-class Learning in a Nursing Course During COVID-19

Abstract

Objectives: Online learning has been applied to replace normal classroom of universities around the
globe due to the COVID 19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of
online and in-class learning in a nursing lecture course, and to survey the students’ and instructors’
satisfaction regarding online learning.
Methods: The comparative study was used. The sample consisted of 277 students enrolled in the course
between 2019 and 2021, and 6 instructors who taught both courses. Of the students, 141 were in-class
students while 136 were online students. The effectiveness was measured using learning achievement
score. The online learning satisfaction of students and instructors were collected at the end of the
semester. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and descriptive statistics.
Results: There is no significant difference in learning achievement between online and in-class
learning (p>.05). However, the mean course evaluation score of the two groups were found to differ
with statistical significance (p<.05). Students’ satisfaction level was lower than that of instructors.
Students were nevertheless highly satisfied with ‘provided instructional material’ of the course design.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that well-designed online course can provide the online learners with
the same efficacy of normal classroom students.