Experiences and needs of nursing and midwifery academics teaching online postgraduate courses

Ahern, Tracey, and Biedermann, Narelle (2022) Experiences and needs of nursing and midwifery academics teaching online postgraduate courses. In: Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery Symposium Abstract Book. 201. p. 31. From: CDNM 2022: Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery Symposium, 29-30 March 2022, Twin Waters, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to 1 understand the experiences, as well as the learning and professional needs, of postgraduate nursing and midwifery academics teaching 100% online; and establish strategies to address the needs of this population.

Methods: The study was conducted using a cross-sectional, online survey collecting predominantly quantitative data, with some options to provide additional information through an open ended response. Participants included nurses or midwives who had taught in a fully online postgraduate course offered at an Australian university within the past five years. Analysis of data was conducted predominantly using descriptive analysis of quantitative data, and thematic analysis of qualitative data.

Results: A total of 49 participants completed the survey. The majority of participants had been teaching in higher education for ten years or less (67.3%) and rated their online teaching experience as competent (36.7%) or proficient (38.8%). Just over half the sample agreed that online teaching is isolating (55 .3%) and time consuming (59.4%). The majority of participants agreed that online teaching is challenging (76.6%). When asked about training and support, two thirds of the sample said they could be better supported in their role as an online teacher (66.7 %). Sixty-two percent of participants claimed that they did not receive any specific training before beginning to teach online and 65.9% felt that they needed additional training to assist them in their role as an online teacher. Qualitative data revealed a range of barriers related to preparedness to teach and understanding and using the technology required for successful online teaching. There were also a wide range of barriers reported with regard to pedagogy in an online environment, along with a sense of discontent with online teaching when compared to the participants’ experiences of teaching in traditional classrooms.

Conclusion: The results of this study have provided evidence to inform recommendations to better support academics teaching courses offered entirely online.

Item ID: 74344
Item Type: Conference Item (Presentation)
Keywords: nursing faculty, online teaching, postgraduate nursing education
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Date Deposited: 22 Aug 2022 01:20
FoR Codes: 39 EDUCATION > 3999 Other Education > 399999 Other education not elsewhere classified @ 50%
42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4205 Nursing > 420599 Nursing not elsewhere classified @ 25%
42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4204 Midwifery > 420499 Midwifery not elsewhere classified @ 25%
SEO Codes: 16 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 1699 Other education and training > 169999 Other education and training not elsewhere classified @ 50%
20 HEALTH > 2003 Provision of health and support services > 200306 Midwifery @ 25%
20 HEALTH > 2003 Provision of health and support services > 200307 Nursing @ 25%
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