Online Research Supervision and its Influence Among Health Professional Students and Research Supervisors during Covid-19 Pandemic; An Evaluation Study of Clarke International University
Keywords:
Online Research Supervision,, Health Professionals,, COVID-19 Pandemic,, UgandaAbstract
The COVID-19 pandemic which hit most nations in 2020 has triggered several changes in
the education system. For example, students in higher institutions of learning in Uganda
have had to adjust to online learning amidst scarce resources. The study evaluated how
online research supervision has influenced self-learning among health professional students
at Clarke International University. An analytical cross-sectional study design was employed
among 150 students conducting research and 08 Key informants holding administrative
positions and supervisory roles were interviewed. Quantitative data was collected using a
questionnaire administered through a semi-structured google survey form. Univariate,
bivariate, and multivariate analysis conducted using SPSS (20.0) and ATLAS Ti for
analyzing qualitative data. The majority 106 (70.7%) of the respondents were satisfied with
online research supervision. The findings were influenced by; age of respondents (p=0.690),
knowledge on application of online tools (aOR=2.580, 95% CI=0.243-27.406, P=0.432),
supervisors’ availability for consultation (p=0.996), availability of e-resources for research
(p=0.995) and support from other departments (aOR=4.524, 95%CI=0.167-122.535,
P=0.370). Online research supervision is possible. Most of the students were able to apply
knowledge gained in research methodology class, although there is need for readily
available supervisors and provision of timely feedback. Institutions should focus on
providing more e-resources, and continuous training and awareness among students and
supervisors to improve online research supervision.
Keywords:
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