Evaluation of the Transition to Online Learning in Mechanical Ventilation During the COVID Pandemic

Abstract

Background: Traditional education models for respiratory therapy (RT) programs require in-class attendance and laboratory experience. The COVID pandemic interrupted this model requiring RT programs to transition to virtual learning. The purpose of this study was to compare the 2020 mechanical ventilation I course test scores and overall final course grade to determine if modification to virtual instruction impacted mean scores compared to previous years of in-person instruction.

Methods: Data included two exam scores and final course grade for four years, from 2017-2020. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA were used. Data from 2017-2019 was collected in a traditional course meeting in-person 200 min per week for seven weeks and seven laboratory meetings. Data from 2020 course utilized a virtual course design that included pre-recorded lectures on the same material as 2017-2019, including the same textbook and three in-person laboratory meetings. Online interaction via WebEx for 120 min was presented for students to identify material in which they did not understand. Additionally, students could converse via other communication sources outside of class as in previous years to discuss issues.

Results: The 2020 data group had the highest mean grade for exam one, exam two, and final grade at 88.92, 83.11, 87.59 respectively. Of the four groups, 2020 had the lowest number of students (N = 37). One-way ANOVA showed no statistical differences between the four years for exam one (P = .594), exam two (P = .626), or final course grade (P = .35).

Conclusions: Transitioning to virtual instruction for mechanical ventilation did produce higher mean averages for exam one, exam two, and final grade for the 2020 subject group compared to previous years, but this difference was not statistically significant. This could have been influenced for reasons other than the virtual classroom model. Students had opportunities to review lecture material multiple times and online/email access to the professor. Therefore, the COVID pandemic had no significant impact on RT student’s achievement in mechanical ventilation.