Perceptions and Experience of Medical Students Regarding E-learning during COVID-19 Lockdown- A Cross-sectional Study
Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research
; 16(3):IC1-IC6, 2022.
Article
in English
| EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1744631
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Medical education has been adversely affected during COVID-19 pandemic. Imparting medical education through e-platforms exclusively was a novel experience both for students and teachers. Even though online classes have been ongoing since almost a year and half, not much data on perception and experience about e-learning among medical students is available from India.Aim:
To evaluate perceptions, experiences and challenges faced by medical students regarding e-learning during lockdown period owing to COVID-19 along with their future preferences. Materials andMethods:
The present study was a questionnaire based cross-sectional survey regarding use of e-learning during COVID-19 pandemic among 340 MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) and Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSc-NUR) students. It was conducted in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Medical College and Hospital Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India from May-July 2021. Students perceptions’ of e-learning were assessed using the validated Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) model and responses were measured on 5-point Likert scale. Quantitative data was expressed by mean and standard deviation and significant level of differences between means were tested by Student’s t-test (unpaired). Proportions were compared by Chi-square test or Fisher’s-exact test.Results:
Out of 400 students, 340 responded of which 225 were females. Of the total 340 students, 97.9% (n=333) respondents, had an idea of e-learning and more than half (n=188;55.3%) had used any type of e-learning platform prior to onset of COVID-19. More number of MBBS students had used e-learning than BSc-NUR students (55% v/s 41%;p=0.033). Cell phone was the most common device (n=324;95.3%) used. The quick sharing of material (n=258;76%) and flexibility (n=233;68.5%) were top rated benefits of e-learning. The key disadvantages were suboptimal practical training (n=222;65.3%) and lack of face-to-face interactions (n=146;43%). Majority of students voted for traditional learning (n=156;45.9%) closely followed by blended learning (n=140;41.2%).Conclusion:
The students had an overall positive attitude towards e-learning and wanted to continue e-learning alongside traditional teaching i.e., blended learning. Exploration of merits and barriers to e-learning during pandemic can act as a guide to implement blended learning in medical curriculum for enhanced teaching/learning experience.
adult; article; controlled study; coronavirus disease 2019; cross-sectional study; curriculum; female; Himachal Pradesh; human; learning; Likert scale; lockdown; major clinical study; medical education; medical school; medical student; mobile phone; nursing student; pandemic; perception; pulmonology; quantitative analysis; questionnaire; virtual learning environment
Full text:
Available
Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
EMBASE
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Randomized controlled trials
Language:
English
Journal:
Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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