Students' Experiences on Online Education Opportunities during the COVID-19 Outbreak

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

1 Medical Student, Isfahan Medical Education Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Isfahan, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Isfahan Medical Education Research Center, Medical Education Development Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Background: The sudden epidemic of Corona led to the suspension of face-to-face medical education. The educational system tried to compensate for the shortcomings by using distance and electronic education. This study aimed to describe the opportunities of virtual education during the pandemic from the point of view of general medical students.
Methods: The current research is a qualitative study with a conventional content analysis approach. The participants consisted of 14 students who had experience in virtual education during the Corona era. A purposive sampling method was used to select the interviewees. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews and with the help of MaxQDA software. Lincoln and Goba criteria were used to ensure the accuracy of the data.
Findings: Based on data analysis, three main categories include "infrastructural opportunities", "educational opportunities" and "individual opportunities" along with 9 subcategories "breaking the traditional classroom; link with technology". "The development of virtual education systems", "New experience of education management", "Emergence of the new style of tests", "Education free from time and place; academic flexibility", "Educational self-management representation", "Time-saving; optimal time management”, "more mental-psychological satisfaction; more satisfaction with life" and "fuller pocket, less financial worries" were obtained as the main opportunities of virtual education.
Conclusion: Virtual education affected the quality of education and life of students. Therefore, the expression of opportunities can be effective and helpful for future policies and lead to the creation of new ideas for distance education in the future. In this regard, especially academic flexibility and education free from time and place facilitate and accelerate the exploitation of national and international opportunities.

Highlights

Maryam Avizhgan : PubMed, Google Scholar

Keywords

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References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 41, Issue 728
4th Week, September
September and October 2023
Pages 594-603

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History

  • Receive Date: 24 May 2023
  • Accept Date: 15 August 2023

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