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. 2023 Dec;29(1):2283834.
doi: 10.1080/13814788.2023.2283834. Epub 2023 Nov 27.

Transitioning from face-to-face to distance education. Part 2: A qualitative study in the former Yugoslavia during COVID-19

Davorina Petek  1 , Irena Zakarija-Grković  2   3 , Aleksandar Stepanović  1 , Marion Tomičić  3 , Zlata Ožvačić Adžić  4 , Venija Cerovečki  4 , Igor Švab  1 , Vesna Homar  1
Affiliations

Transitioning from face-to-face to distance education. Part 2: A qualitative study in the former Yugoslavia during COVID-19

Davorina Petek et al. Eur J Gen Pract. 2023 Dec.

Abstract

Background: Similar to other countries, Departments of Family Medicine in the former Yugoslavia had to transition from face-to-face to distance education during COVID-19.

Objectives: To elucidate obstacles and facilitators of the transition from face-to-face to distance education.

Methods: A cross-sectional, multicentre, qualitative study design was used to analyse nine open-ended questions from an online survey using inductive thematic analysis. The questionnaire was distributed to 21 medical schools, inviting them to involve at least two teachers/students/trainees. Data were collected between December 2021 and March 2022.

Results: In 17 medical schools, 23 students, 54 trainees and 40 teachers participated. The following themes were identified: facilitators and barriers of transition, innovations for enhancing distance education, convenience of distance education, classical teaching for better communication, the future of distance education, reaching learning outcomes and experience of online assessment. Innovations referred mainly to new online technologies for interactive education and communication. Distance education allowed for greater flexibility in scheduling and self-directed learning; however, participants felt that classical education allowed better communication and practical learning. Teachers believed knowledge-related learning outcomes could be achieved through distance education but not teaching clinical skills. Participants anticipated a future where a combination of teaching methods is used.

Conclusion: The transition to distance education was made possible thanks to its flexible scheduling, innovative tools and possibility of self-directed learning. However, face-to-face education was considered preferable for fostering interpersonal relations and teaching clinical skills. Educators should strive to strike a balance between innovative approaches and the preservation of personal experiences.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; Europe; distance education; family medicine; qualitative.

Plain language summary

Participants found that distance education offers many possibilities, mainly self-directed, flexible learning.Participants felt that face-to-face education remains invaluable since it facilitates communication and the development of practical skills.A balance between new technologies and personal encounters was believed to be best.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Faculties of medicine and included teachers, students and trainees in the countries of the former Yugoslavia. *Two students did not answer the question about the location of their University.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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