JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

The novel coronavirus disease pandemic has forced universities around the world to transition to distance learning immediately. This case study sheds light on the rapid transition to distance learning due to COVID-19 of an undergraduate medical program at the College of Medicine in the Mohammad Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences. The purposeful transition to distance learning efforts is reflected upon as four interrelated aspects: supporting faculty members in delivering the content, managing curriculum changes, engaging with the students to facilitate the distance learning experiences, and conducting online assessments. Challenges included the high perceived uncertainty, need for making ad-hoc decisions, lack of experiential learning and clinical skills' testing, and blurring of work-rest boundaries. Seminal triumphs included building on a strong existing digital base, a vision for innovation, and a cohesive team that was key to agility, rapid decision-making, and implementation.