Physiotherapy Students' Perceptions of e-Practical Learning on Achieving Learning Outcomes - A Pandemic Perspective

Abstract

The Movement Control Order (MCO) currently in effect in Malaysia was imposed in order to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This unfortunate circumstance has resulted in dramatic teaching and learning pedagogy shifts from traditional physical classes to online learning, including practical sessions. Therefore, this study aims to identify the Malaysian physiotherapy students' perceptions of e-practical education in achieving learning outcomes. In this cross-sectional study, 409 physiotherapy students from Malaysian universities participated voluntarily in the online Google Form survey, which was circulated through social media platforms from August 2021 to October 2021. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26.0 software. The results of the study demonstrate that students preferred traditional classes in comparison to online practical sessions in achieving the learning outcome of practical skills (p <0.000). In a comparison of online and traditional practical (face-to-face) classes, the majority of students voted gaining theoretical knowledge as neutral or slightly effective but slightly ineffective in improving practical skills. Students felt that more hands-on practice through face-to-face classes would enhance the attainment of the learning outcome. In future, therefore, educational institutions can consider introducing other forms of interactive online mediums to simulate physical classes.