Time to Embrace the Future? Blended Learning in Medical Universities in Pakistan: A Student's Perspective: Future of Blended Learning in Medicine

Javeria Rao; Muhammad Umair; Asfa Waheed; Felicianus Anthony Pereira; Faisal Yamin

Authors

Javeria Rao Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
Muhammad Umair Student, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
Asfa Waheed Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
Felicianus Anthony Pereira Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0711-3078
Faisal Yamin Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan

Keywords:

Distance Learning, Distance Education, Medical Education, Online systems, Online social networking

Abstract

Background: Medical education follows the traditional route of education delivery, where people are required to be present in person. Recent advances in technology have increased the efficiency of online education as well as the reliability. Not all students learn at the same pace, which is why blended learning can be such a vital tool in educational delivery.

Methods: A narrative methodological approach was used, which was then elucidated with students’ perspectives and current practices in Pakistan. The manuscripts were reviewed and discussed with relevant themes of online medical education in Pakistan.

Results: The literature survey revealed that blended education shows greater efficacy than traditional learning methods. Recent national policies have also worked on the inclusion of technologies in curricula. The existing medical curriculum must be restructured to accommodate a blended format. This involves dividing content between online and face-to-face components.

Conclusion: Blended learning maximizes learning strategies by combining both the strengths of traditional face-to-face learning and the advancement of online learning. Students can avail themselves of education according to their own pace and can revisit concepts as required. It is, however, yet to be implemented in medical universities.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/03.04/015

Author Biographies

Javeria Rao, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan

Student

Muhammad Umair, Student, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan

Student

Asfa Waheed, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan

Student

Felicianus Anthony Pereira, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan

Clinical Instructor

Faisal Yamin, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan

Assistant Professor/Head of Department of Physiotherapy

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