ISRRT_COVID-19_book

to the travel restrictions and health guidelines of the country. Therefore, most of the
supervisors guided the students to conduct their research using image archives in the
hospitals and online open databases available online. It was, however, able to host several
online webinars for students on various aspects of research and medical imaging with many
experts from other countries. That was an excellent opportunity for students to encourage
and build collaborative work with other countries.
Delivery of the program - laboratory-based teaching and learning activities and hospitalbased
training
Even though online education works well for teaching theoretical components, it has some
issues in developing university-based practical-based skills of students. Practical skill
development in the BSc in Radiography program at the University of Peradeniya is centered
on hands-on learning in laboratories and hospital-based training. However, all laboratory and
hospital-based teaching activities were temporarily halted due to the pandemic.
Several types of laboratory sessions are associated with radiography education, including
those on radiography instruments and anatomy. The Department had a significant challenge
in delivering at least some laboratory-based knowledge since it lacked the necessary facilities
and resources such as simulation labs or virtual labs. However, as practical knowledge and
skills were developed and imparted to students to some extent, it was beneficial to
incorporate pictures, images, and all sorts of videos with actual equipment and instruments
into the theory lectures. The use of video-based lab sessions has been identified as a viable
alternative when students are unable to physically attend practical sessions. These videobased
lab sessions are beneficial because students can visualize the step-by-step introduction
to a real hands-on session, its environment, and the entire practical process. The usage of
virtual lab sessions hinders the development of problem-based learning skills, critical thinking
ability, situation analysis skills, interpersonal skills, adaptability and communication skills
among students. Therefore the Department took every attempt to overcome these
challenges by giving different types of assignments such as case scenarios and student
presentations.
While there are many approaches for imparting practical skills virtually, there is always a
dearth of valuable practical understanding into conducting radiography techniques and
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