Korean J Clin Pharm.  2023 Sep;33(3):202-209. 10.24304/kjcp.2023.33.3.202.

Effects of Blended Learning on Pharmacy Student Learning Satisfaction and Learning Platform Preferences in a Team-based Learning Pharmacy Experiential Course: A Pilot Study

• Kim SW
• Choi EJ
• Lee YJ

• KMID: 2553154
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.24304/kjcp.2023.33.3.202

Abstract

Background
With the emergent transition of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for online/offline blended learning that can effectively be utilized in a team-based learning (TBL) course has emerged.
Methods
We used the online metaverse platforms, Gather and Zoom, along with face-to-face teaching methods in a team-based Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE) course and examined students’ learning satisfaction and achievement, as well as their preferences to the learning platforms. A survey questionnaire was distributed to the students after the IPPE course completion. All data were analyzed using Excel and SPSS.
Results
Students had high levels of course satisfaction (4.61±0.57 out of 5) and achievement of course learning objectives (4.49±0.70 out of 5), and these were positively correlated with self-directed learning ability. While students believed that the face-toface platform was the most effective method for many of the class activities, they responded that Gather was the most effective platform for team presentations. The majority of students (64.3%) indicated that blended learning was the most preferred method for a TBL course.
Conclusion
Students in a blended TBL IPPE course had high satisfaction and achievements with the use of various online/offline platforms, and indicated that blended learning was the most preferred learning method. In the post-COVID-19 era, it is important to utilize the blended learning approach in a TBL setting that effectively applies online/offline platforms according to the learning contents and activities to maximize students’ learning satisfaction and achievement.

Keyword

Blended learning; introductory pharmacy practice experience; learning platform; metaverse; team-based learning