Student Perspectives on Face-to-Face vs Online Learning During COVID-19 Times in Biomedical Engineering: Reflections from Singapore

Abstract

This paper aims to understand undergraduate and graduate students’ perceptions and reception towards the use of online learning for a biomedical engineering technical elective module. Students were asked to provide their opinions comparing their experience with online remote learning to face-to-face learning. Results were split, with students raising points on flexibility, student engagement, asynchronous learning, impact on mental health, quality of education, learning infrastructure, assessment methods, and the intrinsic value of universities. While feedback showed generally positive experiences with online learning, many of the students showed a preference for a shift back to face-to-face learning. Regardless, the feedback suggested a need for improvements in the implementation of both online learning and face-to-face learning, which may also be combined to further improve learning experiences and students’ mental wellbeing.