Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
2 Faculty of Nursing, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Clinical‑based mobile learning courses have great demand among the nursing
graduates as learners look for possibilities to update skills. The present study explores the
feasibility, familiarity, utility, and attitude of nursing graduates of South India toward mobile learning
applications (m‑apps).
MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online‑based cross‑sectional descriptive survey was conducted in
May 2021 among the South Indian nursing graduates of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, using a questionnaire
consisting 49 items categorized under six sections with items related to socio‑demographic
information; m‑app usage; online learning experience; preference in using m‑apps for learning
purposes before COVID‑19 and during COVID‑19; students’ engagement through e‑learning; and
anxiety related to online assessment. Descriptive and inferential (ANOVA, Chi‑square, and t test)
statistical data analysis were done using SPSS version 23.
RESULTS: A total of 447 student nurses responded. The result shows that most of them, 96% (432)
used android phones and 94% (422) owned a mobile. Age was highly influencing mobile learning
application (m‑learning apps) usage; students of less than 20 years of age used applications more
frequently and possessed more educational applications. Majority of them, 84% (377) of them had
started using m‑learning apps only after COVID. 57.7% (249) commonly used m‑learning apps for
acquiring nursing knowledge resources, nursing exam preparatory, and drug resources. Students
rated high for the interactive nature of these m‑learning apps, while abundant learning materials
and usage with ease were rated as other attractive features. Sixty‑six percent (305) had mostly
downloaded these apps from Google Play Store.
CONCLUSION: The findings would help the m‑learning application developers to offer customize
solutions to address learning gaps that prevail among the South Indian nursing graduates and help
with sustainable growth.
Keywords
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