Attitudes and Perspectives of Students Towards Online Clinical Teaching

Introduction and Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a change in the teaching modality in variety of allied health institutions, forcing them to rely on online platform for clinical training. The present study aimed to explore the perceptions of BASLP students towards online learning of clinical skills during Covid-19 pandemic, to provide a broad scientific basis to guide future development of speech and hearing online education. Methods : A total of 297 students pursuing BASLP from 10 different Karnataka based institutions and those approved by the Rehabilitation Council of India participated in this cross-sectional, web-based study investigating various aspects of online clinical training. On a binary choice questionnaire, students rated their opinions toward teaching efficacy, overall limitations, learning satisfaction as well as their future perspectives regarding online clinical training. Data obtained from the survey were statistically analysed. Results : According to the responses, the majority of the students showed negative perceptions towards online clinical training. Conclusion : Although online clinical training has enabled continuation of speech and hearing education during the COVID-19 crisis, students in our study show negative perceptions towards online clinical training. Students preferred offline mode over online mode. In order to overcome the current pitfalls and maximise the learning outcomes through online clinical training, in future we suggest Institution administration and faculty to take necessary measures such as combining synchronous and asynchronous teaching methods, facilitating a team and case-based approach.