Explaining medical students’ perceptions of asynchronous virtual education in the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

INTRODUCTION: With the unintended closure of classrooms following the outbreak of COVID-19, the virtual education method is used as an alternative to face-to-face education. Virtual education is one of the important factors in promoting the learning of medical students and has many benefits such as increasing the ability of critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and self-directed learning. However, critically examining students’ perceptions of e-learning can help improve quality and better planning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research was a qualitative study. Twelve students were enrolled in the study based on purposive sampling. Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews in 2020. All interviews were recorded and then transcribed and analyzed using a continuous comparison and conventional content analysis approach. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed four main themes and ten subthemes. The main themes included “student concern,” “teacher barriers,” “technology weakness,” and “asynchronous virtual learning flexibility.” CONCLUSION: Asynchronous e-learning in the COVID-19 outbreak had its advantages and disadvantages. By analyzing students’ perceptions in this field, some better designs and planning can be done to increase the quality of education.