Academic Success of Online Learning in Undergraduate Nursing Education Programs in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate predictors for academic success, including satisfaction with online class and academic achievement, in the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic era. PURPOSE: To obtain basic data needed to improve the quality and outcomes of online learning in lectures for nursing students. METHOD: A cross-sectional, descriptive, nationwide online survey in South Korea was performed using structured questionnaires. Participants were 200 nursing students taking online-based learning at universities in 2020. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and hierarchical multiple regression with SPSS WIN 26.0 program. RESULTS: Cyber-class flow (β = 0.65, p < 0.001) was a significant predictor of satisfaction with online class. Self-directed learning (β = 0.18, p = 0.014) and satisfaction with online class (β = 0.19, p = 0.035) were significant predictors of academic achievement. CONCLUSION: To achieve academic success from online learning, self-directed learning should be prioritized and satisfaction with online class needs to be managed by nursing educators. To improve satisfaction with online class, cyber-class flow should be considered when designing teaching and learning methods for undergraduate nursing education programs.