Johnson King, Olivia;
Ryan, Fiona;
Cunningham, Susan;
(2022)
Postgraduate student perceptions of face-to-face and distance education in Orthodontics: a cross-sectional qualitative study.
Journal of Orthodontics
10.1177/14653125221077108.
(In press).
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate postgraduate student perceptions of face-to-face and distance education on a three-year programme in orthodontics. DESIGN: Cross-sectional qualitative study. SETTING: UCL Eastman Dental Institute, London. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 25 current postgraduate orthodontic students in the first, second and third years of training were included in this study. METHODS: Postgraduate student perceptions were obtained by conducting online focus groups on Zoom Video Communications Inc. A focus group topic guide was developed, and a facilitator was trained to host the focus groups. There were separate focus groups for each year group, with a maximum of five participants in each group. The focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were assessed by all members of the research team and analysed using a thematic content analysis, with a framework approach to identify themes and subthemes regarding perceptions of distance and face-to-face education. RESULTS: A total of 25 students participated. Six key themes were identified relating to student perceptions of face-to-face and distance education: (1) social support network; (2) technology; (3) learning experience; (4) education environment; (5) interpersonal interactions; and (6) effective teaching/learning. There were perceived benefits and drawbacks for both modes of teaching delivery. In particular, students highlighted the importance of reliable technology, peer support and accessibility of educational resources for their academic learning. Students favoured a blended approach to learning where practical skills were taught in person and some theoretical aspects taught remotely. CONCLUSION: The results aid the understanding of how educational tools and digital technology can enrich the student academic experience. The results provide important information for the future development and delivery of orthodontic postgraduate education.
| Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Title: | Postgraduate student perceptions of face-to-face and distance education in Orthodontics: a cross-sectional qualitative study |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| DOI: | 10.1177/14653125221077108 |
| Publisher version: | https://doi.org/10.1177%2F14653125221077108 |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions. |
| Keywords: | distance education, face-to-face education, orthodontic education, postgraduate student |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Medical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Medical Sciences > Eastman Dental Institute UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Medical Sciences > Eastman Dental Institute > EDI Craniofacial and Development Sci |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10142008 |
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