Research Article

Students’ Perceptions on Online Clinical Learning amid the COVID-19 Pandemic in an Institution of Higher Learning: A Qualitative Inquiry

Table 2

Themes, subthemes, and codes.

Main themesSubthemesCodes

The unfamiliar experienceUnfamiliar experienceUnfamiliar teaching methods
Nonstimulating teaching environment
Social isolation
Lack of moral support
Lack of mental preparation for online learning amid a global pandemic

Challenges of online learningConnectivity issuesNumerous class interruptions due to network issues
Lagging connections
Teacher issuesInadequate explanations of concepts
Lack of fairness in student evaluation
Poor communication regarding exams and other assessments
Information overload on students
Difficult exams
Strategy issuesLack of hands-on experiences
Too much reliance on videos and pictures that are not adequate to enhance understanding of clinical concepts
Inefficiency of the blackboard interface
Frustrations of using the computer all the time for learning purposes
Incompatibility of some electronic devices with online learning
Student issuesLack of interaction with peers
Difficulty understanding explanations of practical concepts
Hard to self-evaluate regarding clinical competences
The home environmentToo many distractions in the home

Possible solutionsSystem-related solutionsReversion to on-campus learning
Modification of exams to suit online teaching and learning
Development of college specific programs
Allowing students to purchase equipment for clinical learning
Teacher-related solutionsGiving more clear explanations
Introduction of more case scenarios (case-based learning)
Upholding fairness in student evaluation
Student-related solutionsFormation of student workgroups and study groups
Reading more widely