A Comparative Study to Assess the Perception and Gratification Towards Traditional and Virtual Learning Experiences among the Nursing Students During Covid 19 Pandemic, In a Selected Nursing College, Bangalore.

Introduction: The COVID-19 has led to a drastic shift in holistic educational system into online mode, but its usefulness in teaching medical and nursing course is questionable. Assessing nursing students' perceptions and level of gratifications with web-based learning system has been a critical issue. Methodology: A quantitative study approach and descriptive study design was adopted to assess the perceptions and level of gratifications towards traditional and virtual learning experiences among the nursing students during a Covid-19 Pandemic. The sample consists of 140 nursing students who are having exposure to both traditional as well as virtual learning experiences, which were drawn using the probability sampling technique (simple random- lottery method). The data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaire, which consists 15 demographic questions, 28 Perception statements (towards traditional learning 14 & virtual learning 14), 16 Gratification statements (towards traditional learning 8 & virtual learning 8). Data were analyzed by using Descriptive & Inferential statistics. Results: The study results revealed that with respect to virtual learning 42(30%) had positive perceptions and 98(70%) had negative perceptions, and with regard to traditional learning 139(99.29%) had negative perceptions and only one (0.71%) had positive perceptions. In addition, with regard to virtual learning 125(89.29%) were moderately satisfied, 12(8.57%) were highly satisfied and 3(2.14%) had a low level of satisfactions, and with respect to traditional learning experiences, 115(82.14%) were moderately satisfied, 23(16,43%) were highly satisfied, and 2(1.43%) had a low level of satisfaction. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that while the empirical status of online learning studies is somewhat disappointing, online learning experiences have revolutionised learning and teaching.Virtual learning also has advantages and can enhance the nursing education learning experience, but it needs to be delivered correctly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]