Abstract
Technology is a multifaceted topic and it has brought numerous positive contributions to today’s nursing education. As a result, more educational institutions are shifting from conventional methods of teaching and opting for online based learning. However, the transition from traditional education to online learning, has been met with its own set of challenges. Furthermore, barriers in the use of Information Technology include the limited knowledge by nursing faculties about its appropriate integration into the curriculum.
The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of nurse educators and students with integrating technology in teaching and learning at a nursing college in Gauteng, in order to make recommendations that will enhance support for effective and efficient integration of technology in teaching and learning activities. A qualitative explorative descriptive phenomenological approach was used to answer the research questions and achieve the study objectives. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select participants that met the inclusion criteria for this study. The sample for this study comprised of nurse educators and students in the second level or second year of the R.171 three-year diploma and/ or R425 four-year diploma nursing programmes. Data was collected by conducting semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews using audio recordings.
Data analysis was done by using the Braun and Clarke thematic analysis framework. The findings revealed that nurse educators and students encountered negative experiences with integration of technology in teaching and learning mainly due to a lack of resources, technical expertise, and sufficient support, particularly in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. The recommendations formulated were specific to the central theme, main themes and sub-themes. The researcher observed the measures of trustworthiness by Lincoln and Guba and adhered to the ethical considerations according to Dhai and McQuoid-Mason throughout the study.
Key words: Experiences, nurse educators, students, integrating, technology, teaching and learning