Distance Learning- Bane or Boon for qMedical Students? A Cross-sectional Survey among Medical Students

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Teaching and learning is an evolutionary process, it never ends. The emerging of information and communication technology had made teaching and learning activity a very dynamic process. It has evolved from classroom dependent stage to an online environment. Conventional chalk and talk method is being replaced by E-learning. With emergence of COVID-19 pandemic, medical schools started using distance teaching-learning platform to train their students. Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate effectiveness of distance learning among medical students. Materials and Materials A cross-sectional survey was conducted among medical students using a structured and validated questionnaire designed by subject experts incorporating statements related to advantages and challenges associated with distance learning and suggestions to address the same. Questionnaire was administered through google forms and responses collected. Descriptive statistics was used to analyses responses. Results: A total 83% of students expressed face to face interaction was missing in distance learning, 90% opined there was no disciplined way of learning, 76% lacked motivation, for 84% learning was passive, 78% felt monitoring by faculty was missing, 94% expressed practical sessions were ineffective, 88% missed critical thinking exercises of class room sessions, 98% missed social interaction with their friends, 90% missed competitiveness, 73% perceived that overall learning experience was poor with distance learning, 76% had issues with connectivity, 82% missed real time feedback form staff, 73% experienced psychological disturbance, 68% suffered from headache, visual disturbance, 78% opined there was a feeling of isolation. However, 90% enjoyed learning at their own pace, 95% opined that E-assessments provided immediate feedback and 84% expressed there was flexibility in distance learning. 90% opined to the use of blended learning format with class room learning for practical sessions and distance learning for theoretical part. Conclusion: Effectives of distance learning varied among students depending on their perception. Most of the students missed collaborative learning environment of classroom and hands-on practical sessions whereas they enjoyed the flexibility during distance learning. Blended learning approach was suggested by students to compliment class room learning and distance learning.