Perceptions of learner nurses and nurse educators regarding Information and Communication Technology in teaching and learning at the Limpopo College of Nursing South Africa.

Abstract

The implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and its impact on teaching and learning have not been researched in the Limpopo College of Nursing and, therefore, learner nurses' perceptions and nurse educators are not known. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the perceptions of learner nurses and nurse educators of the use of ICT in teaching and learning at the Limpopo College of Nursing (LCN). Upon obtaining clearance from the Turfloop Research Ethics Committee (TREC) to conduct the study, the College granted permission to conduct the study. Research employing the exploratory-descriptive qualitative research design was conducted to achieve the aim and objectives of this study. Data were collected from forty-seven (47) learner nurses and sixteen (16) nurse educators using focus group interviews. Data were audio-recorded, and field notes were written. Trustworthiness was ensured by applying Lincoln and Guba's trustworthiness criteria. Transferability was ensured by utilizing purposive sampling techniques to include all participants. Data were analyzed qualitatively by using Tech's open coding method. The study results indicated that there is no ICT implementation in teaching and learning at the LCN. Learner nurses complained about the unavailability of proper ICT infrastructure, the lack of training of all LCN stakeholders in the use of ICT, the lack of skills of the lecturers to facilitate the utilization of ICT platforms, and the lack of a structured curriculum that embraces ICT platforms. The results indicated that nurse educators were concerned about producing learners who are not familiar with ICT; however, nurse educators were willing to implement ICT, even though no training had been provided to both old and new staff on ICT use. The results indicated that the LCN employs no ICT personnel. It is recommended that on-going training of the learner nurses and nurse educators in the use of ICT facilities be considered to remedy the situation. The college management should take the initiative to provide ICT facilities that can serve all campuses.