Students’ Perception of Asynchronous versus Synchronous Distance Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic in a Medical College, Southwestern Region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Abstract Background:The Covid-19 pandemic has forced educational institutes to shift from conventional in-campus learning to online learning. Two common modes adopted are giving real-time online lectures (synchronous) or providing recorded lectures and reading material to the students (asynchronous). This study was done to determine medical students’ satisfaction with the online learning experiences both synchronous and asynchronous during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Methodology:This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted on 122 final-year medical students studying at the College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. An online 5-point Likert scale-based questionnaire was used to collect data regarding experience and perception towards synchronous and asynchronous learning. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Result:All the students found both synchronous and asynchronous learning to be equally satisfying, enjoying and comfortable. No statistical significance was found when both the methods were analyzed for enhancement of knowledge. The students opined that asynchronous learning helped them manage their time better whereas synchronous learning encouraged more interaction during the live lectures. Conclusion: Overall, the student's response to both synchronous and asynchronous learning was positive. As both methods have their advantages, an integrated approach of both synchronous and asynchronous methods may be adopted depending upon the content of the topic and the learning outcomes.