(130) Student Perspectives on Benefits and Challenges of Being Online During the Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Objective : To identify specific challenges and positive aspects of online versus in-person learning during the COVID-19 pandemic for pharmacy students.

Methods: All third and fourth year pharmacy students enrolled during the 2022 to 2023 academic year were emailed regarding volunteer participation in the study. Twelve pharmacy students were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were conducted via Zoom, lasted approximately 15 minutes, and were audio recorded and transcribed. Students were not provided with financial incentives. A Rapid Qualitative Analysis approach was used to summarize the transcripts and identify themes. A matrix was created to summarize all respondents’ comments by domain and quotations were selected that represented the main themes.

Results: Identified benefits of online learning included: 1) convenience; 2) less commuting/more personal time; 3) use of virtual tools (chat, emoji, raise hand); 4) availability of recordings; 5) better audio and visual; 6) access to resources; 7) better name and facial recognition. Identified challenges of online learning included: 1) staying focused; 2) connecting with others; 3) accountability/integrity; 4) technical difficulties. Topics better covered in person were workshops, hands-on activities, and communication courses.

Conclusions: Student experiences varied considerably; however, many identified a number of benefits of online learning. Further study is needed to better understand how to incorporate the best aspects of online learning into in-person courses and to develop more hybrid models.