COVID-19 and Collective Transformation: Changes in Online Nursing Faculty Pedagogical Practices

Abstract

Our study explored the experiences of fully online nursing faculty during COVID-19. Using Mezirow’s transformative learning theory and Hoggan’s typology as our framework, we engaged in qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology, interviewing 10 online nursing faculty members to learn about their experiences teaching online during the pandemic. Results from our findings suggest COVID-19 was a collective disorienting dilemma. While working through this disorienting dilemma, faculty discovered the importance of both collaboration and professional development in the sense-making process. Furthermore, faculty pedagogical practices transformed as flexibility and compassion emerged as a necessary part of supporting students during the pandemic.