The efficacy of video components used in the online education of healthcare students

Abstract

Background: In healthcare education, practical learning and the application of knowledge are crucial for establishing professional skills and abilities. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the practical form of education in medical schools faced great challenges, which resulted in the adoption of new digital teaching methods that allowed for distant learning. In our academic programs, video lessons were widely used and proved successful in terms of practical education. With the assistance of video materials and digital technologies, we were able to ensure a better visualization of resources and provide a space for developing professional habits and skills. Aim of the study: To determine the extent to which this new e-learning process was effective with regards to gaining practical knowledge and how it was perceived by the students. Material and Methods: We carried out quantitative research among students who received both forms of education – in-person and online. Data was collected via a survey, where the students shared their views about the efficacy of the teaching methods on their practical education and their evaluations of the online learning. The results were based on the mathematical-statistical method. Results: Overall, the students had a positive response towards the digital learning approach and 44% of them felt more motivated to study. Despite these findings, approximately three-quarters of the students (74%) believed that practical training should not be performed entirely via video materials. Conclusions: The implementation of video components presents opportunities for practical training to be flexible, adaptive and stable given that the accompanying changes, challenges and problems are analyzed, comprehended, and solved.