The Evaluation of the Distance Learning Combining Webinars and Virtual Simulations for Senior Nursing Students during the COVID-19 Period

Abstract

Background: The outbreak of COVID-19 has forced many schools to adopt distance teaching. This study developed a distance learning program that combines webinars and virtual simulations to meet students' learning needs.

Methods: A descriptive and quasi-experimental design was used. Thirty-five students participated in this distance learning program. Toward the middle and the end of the webinars, computer-based examinations were conducted to assess students' theoretical knowledge. The Clinical Thinking Ability Scale was administered before and after virtual simulation. Academic Self-efficacy, Student Engagement, and Students' Satisfaction Scales were administered after completing the learning program.

Results: The students obtained high scores on the theoretical knowledge examinations and virtual simulation scenarios. The virtual simulation led to an improvement in clinical thinking ability. Students displayed high levels of academic self-efficacy and student engagement and expressed high satisfaction with this program. Moreover, there were significant differences between genders in learning behavior self-efficacy, and learning effectiveness.

Conclusion: This distance learning program could meet the learning requirements of senior nursing students, in a flexible manner, in a safe environment during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Keywords: Academic self-efficacy; Student engagement; clinical thinking; distance learning; virtual simulation; webinar.