Abstract:

In response to Covid 19 and in line with government restrictions, Trinity College Dublin (TCD) implemented a hybrid model of education for medical students with online delivery of lectures and small group face-to-face teaching. Students were assigned to a pod structure, a small group of 12 students, who remained together for all teaching activities to minimise cross infection risks.
The aim of the study was to assess first year medical students’ attitudes to the changed teaching method, to determine any positive or negative outcomes of this change and to explore their experience of medical school during a pandemic. A census study of TCD first year medical students enrolled for September 2020 using mixed methods online survey methodology.

Students had a mixed response to online learning, many reported they had adjusted to online learning (61%), and they attended online teaching as/more frequently than face to face teaching (62.5%), with 54% finding online lectures more convenient. Overall, technology resources were not problematic and most respondents (74%) felt that the TCD Medical School adapted well to hybrid learning. Students’ comments described how they appreciated the flexibility of online learning, although some did find time management challenging. They also suggested a variety of areas for improvement in the delivery and development of online lectures.
In terms of interactions, the majority of students (83%) felt isolated during learning, and only 24% stated they participated in class with questions/comments just as in face-to-face classes. The qualitative analysis supported this finding, where students described the challenges of social isolation and how they valued the pod structure. Most students (74%) missed in-person communication with lecturers and only 24% felt that most teachers verified lessons were understood.

This study highlights the benefits and challenges to designing effective online learning and how students value social and educational interaction with peers, faculty and the wider college community. It is clear that medical education is more than transmission and acquisition of knowledge. Future online or hybrid learning methodologies need to be cognisant of the socialisation process for students into the professional community.

Keywords:

COVID-19, Medical School, Student, Experience, Hybrid Learning.