Explaining medical students' perceptions of asynchronous virtual education in the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

With the unintended closure of classrooms following the outbreak of COVID‑19, the virtual education method is used as an alternative to face‑to‑face education. Virtual education is one of the important factors in promoting the learning of medical students and has many benefits such as increasing the ability of critical thinking, problem‑solving skills, and self‑directed learning. However, critically examining students’ perceptions of e‑learning can help improve quality and better planning.

This research was a qualitative study. Twelve students were enrolled in the study based on purposive sampling. Data were collected using in‑depth semi‑structured interviews in 2020. All interviews were recorded and then transcribed and analyzed using a continuous comparison and conventional content analysis approach.

Data analysis revealed four main themes and ten subthemes. The main themes included “student concern,” “teacher barriers,” “technology weakness,” and “asynchronous virtual learning flexibility.”

Asynchronous e‑learning in the COVID‑19 outbreak had its advantages and disadvantages. By analyzing students’ perceptions in this field, some better designs and planning can be done to increase the quality of education.