Abstract

Objectives Despite the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, lecture-oriented classes were conducted online without major problems. However, there were doubts on whether it will be possible to conduct small group classes online as efficiently as face-to-face classes. This study evaluated the satisfaction levels of online small group classes and the strategy of using Google to encourage class participation and interactions between instructors-students and among students. Methods This study focused on two small group classes: one class from A Medical School, with 75 students in the premedical course in medical school, the other from B Medical School with 17 respondents among 25 students of medical school. The class from A school was about enhancing motivation, and was conducted for three hours online by dividing the students into groups. The class from B school was on developing patient education programs. The class sessions were five weeks long, and were conducted online by dividing the students into groups. Student satisfaction with their class was evaluated with an 11-item online survey. Results It was found that 50%~60% of the students answered that the online small group classes were just as effective and smoothly conducted as face-to-face classes. The result of accessing the shared documents showed that approximately 85%, 83% of the students from A Medical School were satisfied respectively, whereas approximately 53%, 65% of the students from B Medical School were satisfied respectively. When asked about the students’ preferences on online group activities and face-to-face group activities, approximately 30% of the students from A school and approximately 59% of the students from B school preferred face-to-face classes. Conclusions Students responded that using online shared documents instead of using paper to record their discussions in group activities as they did in face-to-face group activities was a convenient and efficient way to share ideas.

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