Conceptualisation of e-learning in nursing education in the context of Rwanda

Abstract

Technological innovations such as e-learning are rapidly transforming the ways that institutions of higher education teach and students learn. In nursing education, e-learning offers opportunities to reach a great number of students, irrespective of time and space. In the context of Rwanda, the implementation of e-learning in nursing education was motivated by the country’s need to upgrade the level of working nurses and midwives at a large scale and in a short period. This study aims at exploring the conceptualization of e-learning in nursing education, in the context of Rwanda. Grounded theory paradigm directed this study based on the Framework from Straus and Corbin (2008). The sample size was comprised of 40 participants: 18 nurse educators, 17 nursing students, two ICT managers, and three experts in the fields. The results indicated that e-learning was conceptualised as (a) a mechanism to advance a political agenda; (b) a tool to open access to education for working nurses and midwives; (c) a student-centred approach, (d) a blended learning.