Medical Students' Perceptions of Online Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Aim: If we consider that online education will maintain its importance after the pandemic; determining the perceived advantages and disadvantages of online education will contribute to improving the online education opportunities of medical faculties. In our study, it is aimed to investigate the characteristics of online education experiences of medical students. Methods: The study group was composed of students who were educated in first – third classes at Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine (total 747 students). A questionnaire created by the researchers was used in data collection. Results: Two-hundred-thirty-two people were included in the research. The most liked aspects of online education were that there was no transportation problem with 83.2% (n=193) and flexibility with 57.3% (n=133). The most common barriers to online education were internet connection problems with 77.6% (n=180) and distractions from family, pets and home environment with 60.8% (n=141). 11.6% of the participants thought that online education was more efficient than face-to-face education, while 24.6% were satisfied with the ongoing online education process. Conclusion: Satisfaction of online education can be increased and can be made more successful by developing the liked aspects of online education and working towards eliminating the obstacles in front of it. Keywords: online education, medical students, perception, COVID-19 pandemic