Merits and demerits of technical shift of biochemistry classes of medical undergraduates from classroom to online teaching in COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey

ABSTRACT

Background: The ongoing global pandemic due to novel corona virus (SARS-CoV2) has jeopardized our lives from all corners. With the exponential growth of cases, even Medical institutes have curtailed physical classes and shifted to virtual classrooms. The medical graduates have exposure to online education due to vanguard of technology. However, in dwindling of COVID-19 struck economy in a developing country like India, all the medical graduates may not be privileged to have access the android phone or fast-streaming internet. Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this survey was to evaluate the impact and impression of online classes among facilitators and students. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of biochemistry of Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College after obtaining Institutional Ethical Clearance. The students and faculties who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study were given a questionnaire. The responses were recorded in five-point Likert Scale. Results: Both the medical undergraduates and facilitators had a consensus opinion (0.61 and 0.71, respectively) that simultaneous access to multiple website is merit of e-learning. About 81.5% had a strong consensus opinion that there less chances of interaction with the facilitators. About 66.7% of facilitators either agreed or strongly agreed that there are hurdles to motivate the students in virtual platform. The ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed interaction with facilitators and easy of assessment is important predictors for successful outcome of online education. Conclusion: The study concluded that scope of interaction and self-motivation of the students remains to be cornerstone for the successful outcome of virtual teaching sessions. The outcome of this study may guide to identify lacunae and advantages of online methodologies in comparison to the physical classrooms.