Scientific Poster Session III: Students Research-in-Progress

Students Research in Progress
  Monday, November 13, 2023
  01:00 PM–02:30 PM

Abstract

Introduction: In the post-COVID education system, distance-learning has become increasingly prevalent.

Research Question or Hypothesis: What are current student, faculty, and alumni (SFA) engagement levels and perceptions on varying types of distance-learning compared with in-person learning?

Study Design: Descriptive survey

Methods: SFA in the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program were invited to participate via email in an IRB-approved survey to gauge preferences related to various methods of distance-learning compared to in-person learning. Types of distance-learning asked about include students in-person while the professor is on video (synchronously), both the students and the professor on video (synchronously), and asynchronous learning. Participants were excluded if they did not consent to having their information used for research. Due to the nature of the surveys, data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics.

Results: There were a total of 99 responses to the survey. Overall response rates were low with 14.8% , 8.7% and 33.3% of SFA responding respectively. Students (57.4%) and alumni (51.4%) preferred in-person learning. Students preferred method of communicating understanding during distance-learning included poll (80.9%) and game-style (66.0%) questions. Faculty (100%) also indicated they preferred in-person learning, though 40% spend the majority of their time teaching via distance. Faculty indicated they are most likely to use use verbal (86.7%), poll (60%), and game-style (33.3%) questions while teaching.

Conclusion: Although SFA all prefer in-person learning, the potential for more effective distance-learning in education is an attractive entity with the potential to increase educational equity and engage a broader range of students in the PharmD curriculum. We found the benefits of distance-learning included increased flexibility, decreased stress, and increased diversity in faculty members. Limitations included engagement levels and direct access to faculty members. In the future, our distance-learning efforts should explore incorporating these perceived benefits, while addressing the challenges that are present.

Presenting Author

Brooke Habetz PharmD Candidate
University of Louisiana Monroe College of Pharmacy

Authors

Jennifer Hoh PharmD
University of Louisiana Monroe College of Pharmacy

Abigail Edwards PharmD Candidate
University of Louisiana Monroe College of Pharmacy

Heather Savage PharmD