Opinions of Midwifery Students on Distance Education Process and Practical Courses in Covid-19 Period: A Mixed-Method Study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the opinions of second-grade midwifery students who do not have hospital experience yet, about the COVID-19 pandemic, the distance education pro- cess, and applied courses. Method: The research was carried out between February 15, 2021 and March 03, 2021 in the midwifery department of a university by mixed method. The sample of the study consisted of 45 students. The data were collected through a form prepared by the researchers, describing the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants, their views on the COVID-19 pandemic, the distance education process, and applied lessons. Chi-square test was used for descriptive statistics and quantitative data in the statistical analysis of the data, and content analysis was used in the analysis of the qualitative data. Results: It was determined that 22.2% of the students remained in quarantine. During this pro- cess, it was determined that the students experienced feelings such as loneliness and uncertainty and developed various coping mechanisms. While the advantages of the distance education pro- cess are that there is no transportation problem and easy access to the resources related to the course, the disadvantages are determined as spending too much time in front of the computer, technical difficulties, and less lesson hours. It was concluded that the activities made them feel like midwives. Conclusion: It was concluded that the negative feelings of the students about the COVID-19 pan- demic and the distance education process were dominant, and they were satisfied with the activi- ties carried out within the scope of their practical lessons.