Quality of Distance Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic in a Health Sciences University in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Distance learning adopted during COVID-19 pandemic as alternative of onsite learning for most students around the world. Students feedback to this alternative varied around the world, but this mean of education has pros and cons as most of things. Distance learning offer flexibility and convenience for both learners and tutors, in the other hand has limitation on assessment authenticity. Aim: The study aim was to investigate the quality of distance learning in a health sciences university during COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional survey conducted by utilizing the results of four items about distance learning in predeveloped course survey. The relation of distance learning quality to gender, academic program, and campus were studied. Results: 92.32% of students filled the survey (n=8370). The results’ analysis showed 56.4% of students agreed with distance learning quality, but 37.25% could not decide or do not want to decide if they agree or disagree to distance learning quality. 6.35% of students disagree with the distance learning quality. Students’ feedback affected by their gender, academic program, and campus. The postgraduate students and male students showed positive attitude toward distance learning and its quality more than other students. Conclusion: Distance learning quality perceived well by health sciences students and can be a strategic mean of learning in the future with enhancement to assessment authenticity.