Assessing Nursing Students' Self-Directed Learning Abilities During COVID-19 Pandemic Among Smart Phone Users

Abstract: Background: The integration of technology, particularly smartphones, has become essential in nursing education to prepare students for technologically advanced healthcare environments, as emphasized by the National League for Nursing. Smartphones support flexible and self-directed learning through easy access to educational resources. Their use increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic with the shift to distance education. However, excessive smartphone use may negatively affect learning through distractions, reduced critical thinking, and limited face-to-face interaction. Aim: This study aimed to assess nursing students’ self-directed learning abilities during the COVID-19 pandemic among smartphone users. Research Design: A descriptive research design was utilized to achieve the aim of this study. Setting: The study was conducted at the Faculty of Nursing, Damanhur University. Subjects: A total of 365 undergraduate nursing students participated. Tools: Two main tools were used, Data was collected using an online structured questionnaire administered through Google Forms Tool (I): Smartphone Learning Experiences Questionnaire and Tool (II): Students’ Self-Directed Learning Rating Scale were used. Results: Most students demonstrated high levels of smartphone learning experiences and self-directed learning, with a significant positive correlation. Conclusion: Smartphone learning enhanced self-directed learning abilities. Recommendations: Integrating smartphone-based learning into nursing education is recommended. Keywords: Smartphone use- Nursing Education-Self-directed learning-Mobile learning. Title: Assessing Nursing Students’ Self-Directed Learning Abilities During COVID-19 Pandemic Among Smart Phone Users Author: Walaa Mahmoud Elhoufy, Abeer Abd Elfatah Mahmoud, Sally Abd El Hamid Fayed, Lucy Abu Ella International Journal of Novel Research in Healthcare and Nursing ISSN 2394-7330 Vol. 13, Issue 1, January 2026 - April 2026 Page No: 109-119 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 13-April-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19556409 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/Assessing%20Nursing%20Students’%20Self-Directed-13042026-4.pdf