Descriptive study of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: Perceptions of undergraduate health science students

Abstract: Introduction: the aim of this study was to determine the perception of Allied Health Faculty undergraduate students towards online learning during the COVID-19 outbreak.  Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with undergraduate students of the Faculty of Allied Health at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. A self-administered, four-part online questionnaire to assess demographic information; e-learning details; The insights and challenges from e-lessons were used for data collection.  Results: A total of 518 responses were received from the five areas of radiology (32.8%), nursing (24.9%), medical laboratory science (18.2%), pharmacy (14.5%) and physical therapy (9.7%), resulting in a response rate of .76.4%.The majority prefer smartphones (73.2%) to go online  and Zoom is the most used online communication platform (72.8%). The respondents' overall perception score ranged from 9 to 27 (Positive 18, Neutral ¼ 18, Negative 18) with a mean (SD) of 20.4 (4.0). Although the majority of   (59.7%) agree that online learning is more comfortable to communicate than conventional learning in , most respondents (48.3%) perceive negative about the delivery of practical and clinical coursework online. Poor internet connection (67.0%) and lack of electronic devices (53.3%)  is the biggest challenge encountered when learning online.  Conclusion: The majority of students have a positive perception of online learning. Online learning   appears to be an effective learning strategy as students have equal access to online facilities.  Implications for Practice: Although medical staff college students faced some challenges, they demonstrated flexibility and acceptance of an online learning strategy during the   pandemic. COVID-19. Therefore, a well-structured online learning program will benefit the students continuing to study during the pandemic.

Keywords: Allied health sciences Challenges, COVID-19, Online learning Perception, Undergraduate.

Title: Descriptive study of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: Perceptions of undergraduate health science students

Author: Abdulaziz Saeed Alzahrani, Fahad Abdullah Alzahrani, Waleed Saleh Aljaris, Meshari Naif Almutairi, Saad Yahya Sharaheli, Maan Abullah Msfer, Hadeel Abdullah Almusaad

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

Vol. 11, Issue 2, April 2023 - June 2023

Page No: 6-10

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 01-April-2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7791146

Paper Download Link (Source)

https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/descriptive-study-of-online-learning-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-perceptions-of-undergraduate-health-science-students