A Comparative Study to Assess the Perception and Gratification Towards Traditional and Virtual Learning Experiences among the Nursing Students During Covid 19 Pandemic, In a Selected Nursing College, Bangalore

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 has led to a drastic shift in holistic educational system into online mode, but its
usefulness in teaching medical and nursing course is questionable. Assessing nursing students’ perceptions and
level of gratifications with web-based learning system has been a critical issue.
Methodology: A quantitative study approach and descriptive study design was adopted to assess the perceptions
and level of gratifications towards traditional and virtual learning experiences among the nursing students during
a Covid-19 Pandemic. The sample consists of 140 nursing students who are having exposure to both traditional
as well as virtual learning experiences, which were drawn using the probability sampling technique (simple
random- lottery method). The data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaire, which
consists 15 demographic questions, 28 Perception statements (towards traditional learning 14 & virtual learning
14), 16 Gratification statements (towards traditional learning 8 & virtual learning 8). Data were analyzed by using
Descriptive & Inferential statistics.
Results: The study results revealed that with respect to virtual learning 42(30%) had positive perceptions and
98(70%) had negative perceptions, and with regard to traditional learning 139(99.29%) had negative perceptions
and only one (0.71%) had positive perceptions. In addition, with regard to virtual learning 125(89.29%) were
moderately satisfied, 12(8.57%) were highly satisfied and 3(2.14%) had a low level of satisfactions, and with respect
to traditional learning experiences, 115(82.14%) were moderately satisfied, 23(16,43%) were highly satisfied, and
2(1.43%) had a low level of satisfaction.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that while the empirical status of online learning
studies is somewhat disappointing, online learning experiences have revolutionised learning and teaching.Virtual
learning also has advantages and can enhance the nursing education learning experience, but it needs to be
delivered correctly.