Attitudes and experiences of medical students of the Academy of Vocational Studies Šabac on online teaching

Abstract

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, teaching in higher education institutions took place online, or combined. This way of teaching was a challenge for both teachers and students. Aim: The aim of the research is to examine the attitudes and experiences of medical students about online teaching. Methods: The research was conducted as a descriptive study. The research instrument is a specially designed questionnaire that assesses student attitudes and experiences with online teaching. The study included 103 students of medical courses, Healthcare and Pharmacy, at the Academy of Vocational Studies Šabac, Department of Medical and Business-Technological Studies in June 2022. Results: The majority of students were in the age category of 19-30 years, female, from the Health Care study program. The students expressed their agreement with the statements about the regularity of online classes at the Department, as well as the way of informing about obligations during online classes. The negative attitude of the students was that online teaching is not a better form of teaching than traditional teaching, as well as that online teaching is suitable for practical exercises. The overall quality of organizing online classes at the Department of Medical and Business-Technological Studies was rated four by most students. Conclusion: In the conditions of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, classes are organized well, but in the future, if necessary, classes should be combined. The obtained results will serve to improve the teaching process at the Department.