Document Type

Poster

Undergraduate Nursing School Online Learning Impacting Students' Knowledge and Engagement over Traditional in-Person Learning

Authors

Matthew D. PrebleFollow
Ainsley Cronin, University of MaineFollow
Louis Rosenthall, University of MaineFollow
Maddy Berry, University of MaineFollow

Associated Faculty

Sarah Hanscome, MSN, RN

Sponsoring Academic Department

School of Nursing

Publication Date

2025

Abstract/ Summary

Nursing students often face the challenge of balancing academic responsibilities with personal and professional obligations. Nursing education is a crucial catalyst for success in transitioning to practice. With an increase in online educational opportunities, there is concern that students are not getting the same level of engagement and comprehension as traditional in-person classes. Physical engagement is particularly important, as it strongly correlates with academic performance and long-term retention of clinical knowledge. This literature review examines whether attending online nursing classes compared with traditional in-person nursing classes affects students’ knowledge retention and engagement. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the CINAHL database following the inclusion criteria of nursing students participating in online and traditional in-person classes with outcomes related to knowledge retention and engagement. Articles focused on graduate students, non-nursing topics were excluded. The literature supported that online courses are not as effective in knowledge retention, student engagement, and clinical performance compared to traditional in-person classes. Traditional in-person classes allow for interactive activities that better student knowledge and engagement. Online classes lack the face-to-face critical thinking and real-life scenarios. To enhance knowledge comprehension and student engagement, traditional in-person classes are recommended over online classes.

Repository Citation

Preble, Matthew D.; Cronin, Ainsley; Rosenthall, Louis; and Berry, Maddy, "Undergraduate Nursing School Online Learning Impacting Students' Knowledge and Engagement over Traditional in-Person Learning" (2025). Non-Thesis Student Work. 99.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/student_work/99

Version

publisher's version of the published document