Universal Journal of Educational Research Vol. 8(11B), pp. 6166 - 6172
DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2020.082253
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Students' Attitudes as Regard to Distance Learning of Anatomy Courses throughout COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown Period among Medicine and Paramedical Faculties of Najran University, Saudi Arabia

Khlood Mohammed Mehdar ^*
Faculty of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Najran University, Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Globally, the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have influenced learning systems in all types of educational institutions. During the lockdown instituted to prevent viral transmission in Saudi Arabia, it was decided to utilize digital platforms as an alternative mode of delivery of educational material. The transition to e-learning has many challenges. Anatomy is a foundation science which traditionally necessitates practical teaching sessions in the dissection laboratory for effective information delivery. Transferring to an e-learning format was not straightforward for either the educators or students. The aims of this study was to find out medical and paramedical trainees’ perspectives in relation to receiving an anatomy teaching programme in an e-learning environment during the lockdown period necessitated by the coronavirus outbreak. Medical and paramedical students at Najran University who participated in digital anatomy programmes during lockdown were surveyed through use of an online questionnaire. Quantitative cross sectional analysis was performed. The results showed that scholars rapidly became proficient in using online tools. Approximately half of the students were sufficiently self-disciplined to interact successfully with the digital system. Forty percent stated that they would be willing to continue using online resources going forwards. Digital learning platforms could offer both pedagogues and students benefits and potential difficulties. A significant proportion of scholars reported that e-learning offered an opportunity of self-motivated and self-sufficient learning experiences, and that interaction with educators and peers was facilitated. Also, it was generally felt that digital visual components were not an adequate replacement for the dissection laboratory.

KEYWORDS
Anatomy, Distance Learning, COVID-19, Pandemic, Medical, Blackboard

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Khlood Mohammed Mehdar , "Students' Attitudes as Regard to Distance Learning of Anatomy Courses throughout COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown Period among Medicine and Paramedical Faculties of Najran University, Saudi Arabia," Universal Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 8, No. 11B, pp. 6166 - 6172, 2020. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2020.082253.

(b). APA Format:
Khlood Mohammed Mehdar (2020). Students' Attitudes as Regard to Distance Learning of Anatomy Courses throughout COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown Period among Medicine and Paramedical Faculties of Najran University, Saudi Arabia. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(11B), 6166 - 6172. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2020.082253.