Perceived Barriers of Learner Nurses Regarding Virtual Learning In A Rural-Based University In Limpopo Province
Abstract Background: COVID-19 pandemic resultant in many universities suspending their academic activities, making virtual learning an option for saving the disrupted academic year. One rural-based university was forced to enhance its learning management system. The pandemic presented an opportunity to assessment the implementation of virtual learning at this university. The paper aims to describe the perceived barriers of virtual learning in a rural-based university of Limpopo Province.Method: A quantitative descriptive design was applied to describe the barriers of virtual learning in a rural university. The purposive convenience sampling method was used to select learner nurses from the School of Healthcare Sciences. An electronic survey questionnaire with open and closed-ended questions sent via WhatsApp messenger was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS version 26.Results: Learner nurses described various barriers for virtual learning such as; weak networks for connecting Blackboard, lack of ICT facilities such as laptops and tablets by learner nurses, lack of skills for using Blackboard, and aging.Conclusion: The study findings add knowledge regarding the use of virtual learning in a rural-based university. We conclude that virtual learning in a rural-based university is a significant transition process that comes with complex challenges such as network problems. There is a need to develop strategies to enhance virtual learning in rural-based university.