“Online Learning” Technology Solutions During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Empirical Study of Medical Technology and Allied Healthcare Student Perceptions

Introduction

Conventional Medical Technology and Allied healthcare education was imparted through ‘face to face’ didactic mode of academic delivery whereby the teacher or facilitator interactions with students were at the same time and at the same location on - campus. The academic delivery of theory- based learning, simulation - based training and practical training was thus imparted in real time.

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted an unexpected void in the field of clinical training because of the nullification of conventional study methods and clinical practical teaching (Kui et al., 2020).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, online mode of learning has become the main education tool across all faculties. This research analyzed the various tools of imparting training to Medical Technology and Allied Healthcare education students in an online mode, thus fostering a continuum of learning, despite the stringent social distancing norms mobilized by the Government of India, preventing students from returning to campuses during the pandemic.

Medical Technologists and Allied health professionals work in various healthcare environments from hospital departments, wellness industry to diagnostic centers’, research laboratories and the medical equipment industry, whereby they are required to exercise technical and scientific functions in the hi-tech healthcare space. They are categorized under various specializations according to their functioning departments in their respective fields.

Digital learning styles that are currently available in Medical Technology and Allied healthcare education is very heterogeneous. Additionally to the well-known classic styles, social media platforms, AV-based media, and interactive electronics enrich the environment for learning for these Allied healthcare students. Many technocrats are building digital learning experiences as assessment tools to promote learning through online exams (Kuhn et al., 2017).

Mobile & customized platforms are the current developments in digital learning services. Video conferencing has been utilized as a methodology of online clinical education by different organizations (Patel et al., 2021).

Furthermore, didactic customized modules has made it possible to assess measurement of learning outcome. (Coman et al., 2020). This study aims to evaluate whether online learning is of any benefit and can help Medical Technology and Allied Healthcare program students study more effectively