Educational challenges and positive aspects of e-learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights of male Saudi nursing students

Background: Due to the coronavirus‬‭ disease‬‭ 2019‬‭, universities worldwide have been closed and locked down, resorting to online education to continue learning, which at some point made teachers and students glad that they can still attain education. No studies have been conducted on male nursing students' e-learning experience and its impacts on their education during a pandemic crisis.‬‬‬ ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Aim: The study intends to comprehend male nursing students' experiences with e-learning during the coronavirus‬‭ disease‬‭ 2019‬‭ (COVID-19) pandemic. ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Method: This research was a descriptive phenomenological study using a purposive-convenience sample of 15 volunteer participants who were nursing students. Semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted, and data were transcribed and analyzed for themes using the Collizi method. Results: Results were divided into conceptual themes that fell into two themes positive and negative aspects affecting the student’s academic performances. Positive aspects were a sense of responsibility, becoming self-directed learners, an optimistic view, and increased satisfaction. Negative aspects were technical difficulties, unrealistic deadlines, deficient practical skills, and compromised mental health.