Pharmacy Students Discuss Challenges of Online Learning During COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on pharmacy students’ educations, according to a group of third-year students from the Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, in a Pharmacy Times® Student Café video.

The students’ coursework went entirely online during the pandemic, according to Shannon Patterson. She noted that she learns best in a hands-on environment, so shifting to online has been a challenge. Staying focused and participating in online classes can also be more difficult than participating in an in-person discussion, and Patterson said it is easier to get distracted.

Shayne Fontes echoed Patterson’s challenges with the pandemic, although he added that the online learning has made him a more independent student. Similar to Patterson, third-year student Misty Lefler said moving the simulations online has presented challenges, since students would normally learn how to handle syringes and perform basic tasks in a lab environment.

“That’s probably been a little more difficult, but I think the faculty have really come together to make this an easy transition for all of us,” Lefler said.