Abstract:
BACKGROUND : The use of blended learning (BL) pedagogy has become inevitable due to
contemporary technological innovations in the nursing education sector. As of late, the need to
use BL pedagogy has resulted by the sudden occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic. However,
several nurse educators still experience uncertainties in using BL due to technological,
psychological, infrastructure and equipment readiness barriers.
AIM : To report the attitudes of nurse educators towards the use of BL pedagogy as a new
norm of teaching and learning in public nursing education institutions (NEIs) in the Gauteng
Province (GP), South Africa, during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic period.
SETTING : The study was conducted in five Gauteng public NEIs.
METHODS : A descriptive non-experimental quantitative design was conducted with 144 nurse
educators. Data was collected through a questionnaire. Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) was
used to analyse data with the help of a biostatistician.
RESULTS : Technologically, only 50% (N = 72) found BL easy to use while 48% (n = 69) were
ready and willing to use the BL Psychologically, more than half, that is, 65% (n = 94) lacked the
confidence to use BL pedagogy. About 55% (n = 79) reported having inadequate BL
infrastructure, while 32% (n = 46) seemed to be satisfied with the availability of effective
equipment to support BL pedagogy.
CONCLUSION : Based on the results, it is apparent that nurse educators in Gauteng are not
technologically and psychologically ready, since the infrastructure and equipment to support
the BL are not adequately provided.
CONTRIBUTION : The study emphasised the purpose of performing regular assessments to
establish the overall readiness of nurse educators to successfully implement the BL pedagogy.
