Online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: Perceptions of allied health sciences undergraduates

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of Allied Health Sciences undergraduates towards online learning during the COVID 19 outbreak. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with undergraduates of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. A self-administered online questionnaire consisted of four sections to evaluate demographic information; details of online learning; perspectives and challenges on online learning were used for data collection. RESULTS: A total of 518 responses were received from the five disciplines of radiography (32.8%), nursing (24.9%), medical laboratory sciences (18.2%), pharmacy (14.5%), and physiotherapy (9.7%), resulting in a 76.4% response rate. The majority preferred smartphones (73.2%) for online access, and Zoom is the most utilized online communicating platform (72.8%). The overall respondent's perception score ranged from 9 to 27 (Positive ≥ 18, Neutral = 18, Negative ≤ 18) with a mean (SD) of 20.4 (4.0). Even though the majority (59.7%) agreed that online learning is more comfortable to communicate than conventional learning, most respondents (48.3%) have a negative perception towards offering practical and clinical-based subjects online. Poor internet connections (67.0%) and the lack of electronic devices (53.3%) were the most significant challenges encountered during online learning. CONCLUSION: The majority of the students have a positive perception towards online learning. Online learning appears to be an efficient learning strategy when students have equal access to online facilities. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Although the allied health undergraduates faced several challenges, they demonstrated their versatility and acceptance of the online learning strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore a well-structured online learning programme will be beneficial for students to continue their studies during a pandemic.