Evaluation of Moroccan medical students’ experience of online learning during the COVID‑19 pandemic
نویسندگان
1 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tangier, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tangier, Morocco
2 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tangier, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tangier, Morocco
3 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tangier, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tangier, Morocco
4 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tangier, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tangier, Morocco Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Tangier Tetouan Al Hoceima, Tangier, Morocco
doi
چکیده
BACKGROUND: Due to the COVID‑19 pandemic, online learning has become the main method ofinstruction. This study aimed to evaluate Moroccan medical students’ perceptions of medical onlinelearning experience and to list its probable related advantages and barriers.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional study on 400 medical students randomly selectedfrom the different national medical institutions was conducted. A questionnaire evaluating the onlinelearning experience during the pandemic was distributed via institutional e‑mails. Statistical analyseswere carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).RESULTS: 51.2% of students were satisfied with the online learning experience and reported severalbenefits including no need to travel (35.8%), cost savings (20.7%), and flexibility of home studying(32.3%). Technical issues related to the use of platforms or internet connection, limited interactionbetween students and their instructors, and lack of motivation were the major barriers to online learning.Moreover, results also showed a significant difference when comparing the attendance frequency betweenpresential classes and online learning (i.e., before vs. during the COVID‑19 pandemic) (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS: The experience of medical online learning was reported in our study to be associatedto several advantages and disadvantages. Hence, students’ perceptions should be consideredto evaluate and improve the quality of this instructional method for a successful and more activeapproaches implementation.
