Influence of Virtual Learning Environment on Student Satisfaction: A Case of Mbeya University of Science and Technology

Role of Online Health Information Resources in Shaping Self confidence of Nursing and Midwifery Students in the Digital Era at Aga Khan University, Tanzania

Getrude W. Ngowi and Jackline E. Kiwelu
Library Department, Aga Khan University
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Abstract
Digital technologies have transformed the way people learn in the current age. Innovative multimedia online nursing and midwifery information resources have improved nursing education and brought about adaptive, interactive, and collaborative learning. This study aims to find out whether the online nursing information resources provided at Aga Khan University Tanzania are shaping the self-confidence of nurses and midwives in the digital era, to understand gaps and areas for improvement. This study used both quantitative and qualitative research approach were used. The researchers collecting data using online Google Forms, which were analysed thematically through Atlas ti. The results revealed that persistent access and use of online information resources largely shaped the self-confidence of nursing students during examinations and at the point of patient health care. The participants who navigate the online information resources often gained more knowledge and skills to apply at times of need, either during examinations or nursing and midwifery practices. The more knowledge and skills gained through the online resources and used, the more the student’s gained self-confidence. The participants reported that, they felt very confident because of their critical thinking skills, the informed decisions they made, and the problem-solving that made them confident. The most used resources were Health Internetwork Access to Research Initiative (HINARI), EBSCO host, Up to Date, Clinical Key Nursing and Clinical Key for physicians. Difficulties experienced by the students were unreliable and expensive Internet connections while on off campus, the long process of logging in, and subscription restrictions to some content were mentioned also as challenges..

Keywords: Library automation, Clinical care, Nursing education, Self-efficacy, Digital content, Aga Khan University, Tanzania.

Proceedings of the 6th COTUL Scientific Conference, 11–12 November 2024 at TMDA, Mwanza, Tanzania