E-learning preparedness of nursing students at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences in Malawi

This study presents findings from a survey conducted on Malawian undergraduate and graduate nursing students' readiness to use e-learning for instruction. In total, 105 students completed the survey. A structured online Google Forms questionnaire was used for the survey procedure, which was completed online. Data were collected using a cross-sectional descriptive approach and analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings showed that bandwidth costs prohibit online instruction for nursing students. More interestingly, the study revealed that despite unique socioeconomic factors, nursing students suggested that the blended mode of delivery would be appropriate and not face-to-face or online learning modes of delivery only. Students expressed that the cost of mobile data or data bundles is prohibitive and beyond financial means. They requested that university lobbying for student data bundles be less expensive. Similarly, some students did not even have devices for online use outside campus. This finding suggests that universities should engage in the private sector and lobby low-cost devices for needy students. Few studies have examined online learning in nursing students. Few studies have explored regulatory bodies’ acceptance of online learning as a mode of delivery learning. Similarly, little is known about the guidelines for online education set by Malawian regulatory agencies. Nursing students' suggestions for a blended learning delivery model were proposed. To improve the quality of education in developing nations, regulatory organisations integrate online learning and teaching techniques into curricula and syllabi.