01 Aug 2020|Noida | Amity University, Noida
Virtual Nursing Education in India during Covid 19
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A lecture by Prof. Dr. Smriti Mani, Principal, Govt. College of Nursing, OSD (Nursing), Nursing Directorate, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal was delivered on ‘Virtual Nursing Education in India during Covid 19’. Dr Smriti Mani said that a virtual classroom is an online classroom that allows participants to communicate with one another, view presentations or videos, interact with other participants and engage with resources in work groups. Highly interactive; flexible; affordable at own place; collaborative; student centered; accessible; variety of content for presentation and learning; psychological safe environment are some characteristics of virtual education. She added that health professionals' training needs are different than general education. They not only need theory classes but practical component is an essential part which needs clinical exposure in hospitals, rural and urban community. Case study, case presentations are also required where students learn as per the textbook and about the real case studies.
She also shared issues related to virtual classes like equitable access to the learning environment as they are at home, unequal access to technology, hardware, software, regular internet service. Asynchronous learning environment may create stress and discourage participation of students as they may feel less engaged and have less motivation. Some students may need to make adjustments to their accommodations and if videos are used, it requires strong internet connections. Students may be reluctant to disclose these needs to individual instructors. Poor students who need extra care and a handholding support from teachers, they will face problems. Some students are unable to buy android mobiles, take internet connection to continue studies. Students may face a variety of physical emotional, cognitive and financial challenges that can impact motivation, learning and performance. She suggested creating an environment that includes and values all students.