Page 278 - International Perspectives on Effective Teaching and Learning in Digital Education

Mirko Prosen and Sabina Ličen

Figure  shows the cluster analysis, illustrating how frequently used words
are grouped based on their co-occurrence within the transcripts. This clus-
tering provides insight into the relationships between terms, showing which
words tend to appear together and may thus represent connected ideas or
themes. For instance, clusters around words like ‘education’, ‘students’, and
‘support’ may suggest a thematic focus on the importance of supportive edu-
cational structures. Another cluster linking ‘internet’, ‘computer’, and ‘resourc-
es’ highlights discussions related to the technological aspects of e-learning,
such as the availability of reliable internet and appropriate hardware, which
are essential for effective digital learning experiences.
The clustering also reveals smaller, context-specific groups. For example,
terms such as ‘participate’, ‘interaction’, and ‘classroom’ may indicate themes
around student engagement and the effectiveness of interaction within vir-
tual classrooms. This clustering analysis adds depth to the word cloud by per-
haps revealing underlying patterns of association, offering a more nuanced
view of the thematic structure within the discussions. These visualisations
collectively demonstrated, at least at this stage, that while fundamental el-
ements of education and student support were recurring topics, practical
issues related to technology and engagement emerged as significant chal-
lenges in the e-learning experiences of nursing students.

Thematic Analysis
The analysis of nursing students’ experiences with e-learning revealed six
main themes: (1) Flexibility and accessibility benefits; () Impact on student
engagement and interaction, (3) Technological and infrastructure challenges;
(4) Effect on practical skills and learning outcomes; (5) Diverse preferences in
learning approaches, and (6) Self-management and motivation in e-learning
(Table 1). Each theme presents distinct aspects of the e-learning experience,
from the practical benefits of flexible access to the challenges faced in main-
taining engagement, overcoming technical obstacles, and adapting learning
approaches.

Flexibility and Accessibility Benefits
The theme ‘Flexibility and accessibility benefits’ emerged strongly across all
focus group discussions, highlighting the significant advantages e-learning
offered nursing students. This theme illustrates how students appreciated
the adaptability of e-learning, which allowed them to balance academic and
personal responsibilities more effectively.

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