STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES AND CHALLENGES OF ONLINE LEARNING AT DANANG UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY AND PHARMACY

Abstract

Like many other countries, educational institutions in Vietnam were forced to shift their courses from a face-to-face approach to online classes during the Covid-19 pandemic to try to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The objectives of this study were to investigate students’ perceptions of online learning as well as to identify challenges of online learning they confronted. The study took a quantitative approach, using an online questionnaire on Google Forms to collect data from 631 undergraduate students at Danang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy in Danang, Vietnam. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that the participants perceived online learning as being useful and time-saving. However, the study revealed some challenges the students encountered, such as unreliable internet connections, poor e-learning platforms and services, a lack of information and communication technology skills, and distractions. Based on the findings, some implications on online learning have been put forward.