Open and distance learning (ODL), a structured learning whereby the students and
instructors are separated by time and place, is currently the popular trend among
working adults across the nation. From higher nursing education perspective, it must
be made accessible, affordable and flexible to allow the nurses to cope with the
demands and pressure of busy work and family commitments that give rise to several
challenges. Hence, the main objective of this study is to examine perceived challenges
in ODL among undergraduate nursing students of Open University Malaysia (OUM).
The study employed quantitative approach by using close-ended questionnaires.
A convenience samples of registered nurses (RNs) undertaking Bachelor of Nursing
Sciences (BNS) programme (n = 81) completed the face-to-face questionnaires. Data
analysis using descriptive statistics collected from 81 respondents from five OUM
learning centres. The perceived areas of challenges were grouped into: perceptions of
ODL for continuing education; perceived challenges facing ODL students;
instructional related challenges; and institutional related challenges. Surprisingly, the
findings indicate that BNS students are facing only some extent of challenges in their
learning particularly within their own circles with perceived challenge highest on
financial constraints (54.3%). However, they demonstrate positive perception of ODL
for continuing education with the majority (70.4%) agreeing that it is relevant with
current teaching-learning strategy. There is no obvious indication of perceived
challenges instigates from instructional and institutional factors as the majority
disagree (51.9%) that they are facing unhelpful course information and lack of
direction; and (46.9%) disagree lack / delayed of important information, respectively.
Above all, the findings address students’ concerns in improving student experiences,
and enhanced instructional and institutional contributions that marked the achievement
of ODL outcomes. In essence, this study has shed some light into challenges faced by
ODL nursing students and the strategies to further ameliorate the implementation of
ODL. (Abstract by authors