Perspectives of Medical Students in Using Blended Learning: A Thematic Analysis

Nawal H Almohammadi,1 Nada M Elnugomi,2 Abeer Abuzeid Atta Elmannan,3 Marwa M Zalat4,5 1Department of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Women and Child Health; College of Medicine, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Family & Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Family, Community Medicine & Medical Education, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia; 5Department of Community, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, EgyptCorrespondence: Marwa M Zalat, Email [email protected]: Today, blended learning (BL) is crucial for the implementation of technologically enhanced pedagogical innovations especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to explore students’ perspectives toward BL and how a blended learning method affects medical students’ learning results. Additionally, it seeks to identify BL challenges, advantages, and disadvantages.Methods: A qualitative design using a thematic analysis was used. The study included 48 female medical students from years three through six who switched from traditional face-to-face to online during COVID-19 to mixed learning in the post-COVID-19 era.Results: Data were extracted from focus group discussions. Three broad themes emerged from thematic analysis: perceived self-efficacy, blended learning as the new normal, and institutional support. Blended learning was the most students preferred because they could adapt quickly to the combination of online and face-to-face learning. Institutional support played a significant role in determining students’ learning outcomes from the sudden switch.Conclusion: The findings of this study underscored the importance of BL to maximize student learning while maintaining health and safety procedures. The students’ adherence to school schedules, which required them to be disciplined regarding time, travel, and class preparation, contributed to their development of excellent habits. However, this presents a challenge for institutions that continue to offer an outstanding education despite the increasing acceptance of blended learning, as it may influence the motivation and learning outcomes of future doctors. These results are beneficial for educators and students in universities to have better institutional policies and strategies.Keywords: perspectives, blended learning, COVID-19, medical students