An assessment of online learning among students of higher learning institution in the midst of COVID-19 lock down: A case study of Levy Mwanawasa Medical University in Lusaka district of Zambia

Abstract

Abstract
Background: In Zambia, teaching in most educational institutions is based on the traditional methods of learning, usually face-to-face in a classroom. Nonetheless, with the COVID-19 pandemic, this trend changed completely due to government lockdown. Hence the institutions of higher learning had to adapt to online teaching to deliver content to its students. This swift change in the mode of learning requires understanding to benefit both learners and instructors especially for a less developed country like Zambia.
Methods: This study utilised both the descriptive and cross-sectional study designs aimed at assessing the impact that the COVID-19 lock down had on medical related field students at Levy Mwanawasa Medical University through an online survey. In addition, we also explored students preferred mode of learning and challenges that may help in designing and implementing of online learning for such students.
Results: Results indicate that, in 96.9% of the students who participated in the survey had attended online learning. The gadget most used for online learning is a mobile phone. Majority of the students opined that face-to-face was the preferred form of learning. It was observed that majority of the students experience with online learning at LMMU was poor. Poor internet network, lack of data bundles and load shedding by the country’s power supply company where highlighted as the major challenges faced by students.
Conclusion: Practicals are a key component in the learning of medical students and hence as such it is important that the university strikes a balance as it incorporates online teaching in the delivery of its services by capturing the learning needs of the students.