Pathology students' perceptions of virtual learning: A case study of students in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Pathology laboratory classes are traditionally conducted using a conventional light microscope. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and recent technological advances necessitated remote learning through online classes using virtual slides (VS) instead of glass slides (GS).

Aim: The purpose of this study was to gauge the perception of learning pathology using virtual slides (VS) as opposed to glass slides (GS) for medical students in Saudi Arabia. This study would help modify teaching methods with the advancement of the application of newer methods in online teaching.

Methods: This two-phased study evaluated learning outcomes and perceptions in pathology online education for medical students. Using a questionnaire, Phase one analyzed second and third-year students' perceptions of the teaching methods after an online pathology course. Phase Two assessed the learning outcomes of third-year students during online practical sessions using a pretest and post-test design. Statistical data were collected using a simple additive approach. Statistical tools were used to determine the factors affecting students' perceptions.

Results: The accessibility of VS at any possible time, location, or device was the most advantageous trait of virtual learning (mean = 2.94±0.9). Students agreed the least with virtual slides as the only optimal method of learning pathology (mean = 2.25±0.9). Most enjoyed the virtual lab experience (51.7%) but still prefer both laboratory-GS and virtual-VS classes (83.5%).

Conclusions: VS had the benefit of accessibility and efficiency. The acceptance of VS was significantly affected by the orientation prior to the online class. Findings showed that VS cannot completely replace GS and more aspects such as technical difficulties and prior VS experience should be explored.