COVID-19: challenges affecting the uptake of e-learning in pharmacy education in Africa

Okereke, Melody; Williams, Alison Ekwere; Nzeribe, Emmanuella; Ashinedu, Nelson Ukor; Mairaj, Muhammad Waqas

doi:10.11604/pamj.supp.2020.35.2.23910

Cited by 23 publications

(43 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…26 In contrast, when some basic infrastructure represents a concern, distance education might be a challenging process. 21 , 27 …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…26 In contrast, when some basic infrastructure represents a concern, distance education might be a challenging process. 21,27 After having participants' views on the readiness to the shift to distance education, an important issue was how they generally perceived distance education after the experience they went through. Participants' perception toward distance education was generally positive.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Distance Education During COVID-19 Pandemic: A College of Pharmacy Experience

Altwaijry¹,

Ibrahim²,

Binsuwaidan³

et al. 2021

RMHP

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This study aimed at describing the experience of academic staff and students with distance education, during the COVID-19 pandemic, at a college of pharmacy in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study used a mixed-method approach. The first phase implemented a survey that targeted both academic staff and students to evaluate their experiences with distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, a focus group discussion was conducted to explore, in-depth, their experience. The survey consisted of five domains as follows: readiness for the shift to distance education during the full and partial lockdown, perception towards distance education, barriers against distance education, and the acquisitions due to distance education. A five-point Likert scale was used to assess participants' responses to the different domains (mean score ± standard deviation). Results: Seventy-eight percent of the academic staff and 65% of the students responded to the survey. Participants' views were positive for readiness for the shift to distance education during the full lockdown (3.89±0.42 for academic staff and 3.82±0.50 for students) with almost similar evaluation for the readiness during the blended learning period (3.91±0.44 for staff and 3.83±0.59 for students). The findings showed a generally positive perception towards distance education (3.59± 0.67 for academic staff and 3.47±0.64 for students). The acquisitions due to distance education were also positive (3.95±0.72 for academic staff and 3.78±0.77 for students). Nonetheless, some barriers that affected distance education were raised with an overall neutral view from both academic staff (3.31±0.72) and students (3.31±0.64), with different responses for the individual items. Qualitative findings from the focus group discussions explored the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges, with emphasis on the areas for improvement. Conclusion: Although the shift for distance education was out of a sudden, participants showed overall positive views about their experience with distance education and highlighted areas for improvement.

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“…26 In contrast, when some basic infrastructure represents a concern, distance education might be a challenging process. 21 , 27 …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Distance Education During COVID-19 Pandemic: A College of Pharmacy Experience

Altwaijry¹,

Ibrahim²,

Binsuwaidan³

et al. 2021

RMHP

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“…It is worth mentioning that almost half of the students preferred to continue traditional face to face teaching over distance learning and hybrid teaching styles. This finding was attributed to the fact that students have barriers to technology, and the majority of them do not have the luxury of quiet space at home with stable electricity and internet connection (Okereke et al, 2020). The current student's technology resources are not sufficient to start online education due to the fact that wireless internet connection is still a challenge in many African countries including Sudan (Okereke et al, 2020).…”

Section: Impact Of Covid-19 On Pharmacy Students In Sudanmentioning

confidence: 99%

The impact of COVID-19 on pharmacy students in Sudan: A cross-sectional survey

Kamil¹,

Mohammed

Elhadi³

et al. 2020

Pharm Educ

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Background: The new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has impacted many aspects of life. Several studies have investigated the effect of this pandemic on academic activities. Yet, no studies addressed the impact of COVID-19 on students in Sudan. This study examines the impact of COVID-19 on Sudanese undergraduate pharmacy students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire delivered to undergraduate pharmacy students. Results: A total of 137 students responded to the survey. The majority were female (74.5%) and were students in private colleges (60.6%). Majority of the students (95.0%) were affected by COVID-19 crisis and about half of the respondents (54.0%) were depressed and 85.4% reported a decreased level of concentration. In spite of these challenges, majority of our respondents were still motivated (85.3%) to continue their education on campus. Conclusion: Despite unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacy students in Sudan are motivated to continue their studies, and they want the traditional teaching model to resume. It is time to invest more in education and rethink delivery of pharmacy education in Sudan during public health emergencies. There is no better time than now.

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“…However, many low-and lower-middle income countries (LMIC) struggle with e-learning due to challenges with infrastructure, resource availability, communication, and social barriers (9). A recent review of the transition to e-learning in pharmacy schools in Africa found numerous barriers related to poor accessibility in rural areas, high cost of internet data, and poor infrastructure in many areas (10,11). Furthermore, students are likely to face new challenges in the learning environment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19 and Medical Education in Africa: A Cross Sectional Analysis of the Impact on Medical Students

Bernard

Indig

Byl

et al. 2021

Preprint

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Background: The African continent currently experiences 25% of the global burden of disease with only 1.3% of the world’s healthcare workers. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption to medical education systems, increasing the strain on already-vulnerable regions. Our study examines the impact of COVID-19 on medical students across 33 countries in the African continent. Methods: A 39-item anonymous electronic survey was developed and distributed to medical students across Africa through social networks to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical education. The survey assessed the domains of: class structure changes and timing, patient interactions, exam administration, learning environment satisfaction, mental health impacts, and volunteer opportunities/engagement.Results: 694 students across 33 countries participated. 88% of respondents had their classes suspended for varied lengths of time during the pandemic, and from these students 51% of them resumed their classes. 83% of students felt they were in a supportive learning environment before the pandemic, which dropped to 32% since the start. The proportion of students taking exams online increased (6% to 26%, p<.001) and there was a corresponding decrease in the proportion of students seeing patients as a part of their education (72% to 19%, p<.001).Conclusion: COVID-19 is harming medical students in Africa and is likely to worsen the shortage of the future’s healthcare workforce in the region. Pandemic-related impacts have led to a degradation of the learning environment of medical students. Medical schools have shifted online to differing degrees and direct patient-care in training of students has decreased. This study highlights the urgent need for flexible and innovative approaches to medical education in Africa

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COVID-19: challenges affecting the uptake of e-learning in pharmacy education in Africa

Cited by 23 publications

References 7 publications

Distance Education During COVID-19 Pandemic: A College of Pharmacy Experience

Distance Education During COVID-19 Pandemic: A College of Pharmacy Experience

The impact of COVID-19 on pharmacy students in Sudan: A cross-sectional survey

COVID-19 and Medical Education in Africa: A Cross Sectional Analysis of the Impact on Medical Students

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