Impact of the Covid 19 pandemic on preclinical teaching in medical schools-Lessons learned

Ghassan Nabbout; Camille Nassar

doi:10.31686/ijier.vol9.iss4.2979

Authors

Ghassan Nabbout

University of Balamand
Camille Nassar

University of Balamand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31686/ijier.vol9.iss4.2979

Keywords:

Online medical education, Medical education during lockdown, Impact of COVID19 on education

Abstract

Objectives: The authors analyzed the weaknesses and areas of opportunities with the online teaching imposed by the COVID19 lockdown, and the new measures adopted to control the online examinations for medical students.

Method: In addition to personalized question sets we had location mapping and Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) for monitoring students during the exams as well as disabling the back-button during examination.

Results: The academic year was successfully completed on time. There was no change in the exams format or scope, yet the results were similar in terms of grade distribution, average and standard deviation as well as the validity and reliability scores.

The students’ perception of online teaching was evaluated through a survey. It revealed the importance and added value of online teaching but also exposed the gaps related to lecturers’ preparedness and need for training.

Conclusion: The online experience was a valuable lesson for us, as we discovered not only the weaknesses or areas to improve, but also new ways and opportunities that can be explored to enhance the learning experience.

Our plan is to introduce online teaching gradually to all modules and align it with students’ readiness through direct implications of students; however, every center should develop its own long-term plan to address its own problems and weaknesses.

Author Biographies

Ghassan Nabbout, University of Balamand

Assistant Professor
Department of Biomedical Sciences
Preclinical Teaching Program Coordinator
Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences
Camille Nassar, University of Balamand

Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences

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