Predictors of distance learning in physiotherapy students during COVID-19 outbreak

Background and Purpose Physiotherapy (PT) is an allied health profession that is generally taught at universities with face-to-face learning to deliver the required knowledge and practical skills of PT. The education sector has transitioned to distance learning (DL) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to evaluate PT students' perception of quality of DL and satisfaction with DL, and identify potential predictors of student satisfaction with DL during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional design was used. An online survey included demographic information, and the Distance Education Learning Environments Survey (DELES) was sent to PT students in Jordan. Regression analyses were used to identify the predictors of student satisfaction with DL. Results A total of 296 students completed the survey. Most students rated the overall quality of DL as good. However, they were not satisfied with DL. Instructor support for students, personal relevance, previous experience in DL, and being a master's student were the potential predictors of DL satisfaction. Conclusion PT students rated the quality of DL as good with low level of satisfaction. Students' perceptions of and satisfaction with using DL were correlated to several potential predictors that could be considered for improving the DL experience in PT education.

Automated summary

This study investigated the perception of physiotherapy students towards the quality and satisfaction of distance learning (DL) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed that while most students rated the quality of DL as good, their satisfaction levels were low. Factors such as instructor support, personal relevance, previous DL experience, and student status were identified as potential predictors of DL satisfaction.