Abstract
Background: Globally, there is an abrupt shift from in-person to online teaching and learning,
and institutions of higher education should ensure that no students are left behind from this
revolution. A total of 73% of nurses in South Africa are Baby Boomers and Generation X,
meaning they were born before technology and are struggling to navigate online teaching and
learning platforms made accessible by the institution.
Objectives: This study aimed to explore and describe the lived experiences of post-basic
student nurses on the benefits of online teaching and learning at a higher education institution.
Method: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, contextual research design and
phenomenological approach were adopted in this study. Data were collected from
10 participants using individual interviews and analysed following thematic analysis.
Results: One central theme and three main themes emanated from this study. A central theme
was that online teaching and learning offers efficient and flexible education for nursing students,
while improving their technological competencies. Main themes are that online teaching and
learning: (1) is convenient for students, (2) saves time and is cost effective and efficient for
students, and (3) is flexible and improves students’ knowledge and skills in technology.
Conclusion: The institutions of higher education should realise the benefits of online teaching
and learning to improve the quality of nursing graduates.
Contribution: This article clarifies the benefits of online teaching and learning for nursing
education in a South African context.