To prevent the spread of COVID-19, Teikyo Heisei University started online classes in April 2020, replacing face-to-face classes. An online survey was conducted to identify issues that clinical engineering technician training school instructors should address regarding online classes. From May 1 to May 15, 2020, an online survey about online classes was conducted targeting all students from first to fourth year in the Clinical Engineering Course of the Department of Medical Science, School of Health and Medical Science, Teikyo Heisei University. Responses were received from a total of 212 students: 76 first-year, 75 second-year, 44 third-year, and 17 fourth-year students. Of these, 198 students responded (response rate: 93.4%). The most common medium for attending online classes was a PC, with 191 students (90.1%) using it, followed by 6 students (2.8%) using smartphones. The most preferred format for online classes was on-demand video distribution, similar to a PowerPoint slideshow, with 144 students (67.9%) favoring this format. Twenty students (9.4%) preferred real-time interactive formats like Microsoft Teams, and 7 students (3.3%) preferred not to have online classes at all. Among those who preferred on-demand video distribution, 99 students (46.7%) cited the ability to rewatch the videos, and 60 students (28.3%) cited the ability to watch at their convenience. Additionally, some students preferred on-demand formats because they had to attend online classes in the living room due to the lack of a private room, which caused background noise during real-time interactive classes (2 students, 1.0%). Approximately 70% of the students preferred online classes over face-to-face classes, specifically favoring on-demand video distribution. Although face-to-face classes are planned to resume, instructors need to leverage the advantages of online classes to enhance students' motivation and engagement in face-to-face settings.
