Educational chat in nursing: possibilities of interaction in the virtual environment

Abstract

This documental case study was performed using a qualitative approach, and analyzed the dialogues of Nursing students in a context mediated by an educational chat in a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The data consisted of eight discussions among students, professors and monitors of the Rio Grande do Sul Federal University College of Nursing on the TelEduc® VLE chat on the activity called Virtual Client. The data were categorized using NVivo® software; and the information was analyzed using the Content Analysis technique. The results revealed feelings such as anxiety, fear and motivation towards hospital practice, as well as the dichotomous position of students regarding the proposed activity: some enjoyed the virtual discussions, while others preferred having discussions in person. This article presents recommendations for using educational chats in Nursing education.