Perception of online learning adapted for the covid-19 context in nutrition students

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic and confinement measures have generated the need to restructure teaching methodologies in higher education, but quickly and sometimes in an exploratory manner.
Objective: Describe the perception of Nutrition and Dietetics students regarding the change from face-to-face classes to online format during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Method: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. We performed an online survey that included 32 questions on the Likert scale after informed consent to Nutrition and Dietetics students between the first and fourth year. Exploratory factorial analyzes and Cronbach’s alpha were performed to validate the instrument. We performed a descriptive analysis including frequencies and associations through the chi2 test.
Results: 126 students were enrolled in this study. 94.4% were women. 56% preferred synchronic videoconferences for theoretical class instruction, and 30% referred that online learning is insufficient for practical activities. The academic aspects showed positive perceptions; nevertheless 63% of first and 2nd-year students said that relationship with their teachers was different regarding face-to-face classes. 87% perceive that they spend more time developing activities related to the subjects, than when they are taught in person.
Conclusions: The students’ perception is positive about the academic aspects, however, they have exhibited low acceptance in social aspects such as the relationship with other classmates. In addition, according to the perception of the students, the practical activities and clinical work were not replaceable by online methodologies.